I receive many comments reminding me that my eating disorder experiences aren’t the experiences of others. And believe me – I understand.
Therein lies the problem for therapists, family and friends, and eating disordered patients themselves, too.
I’ve always been amazed at the variety of stories and “styles” of eating disorders. For instance, one person with bulimia may binge and purge once a day while another bulimic binges and purges many times in a 24 hour period. Those two people suffering from bulimia are going to require different. very personalized techniques to help them become healthy.
For me, anorexia was a lifestyle, but I was …read more

Eating disorders aren’t about the past or the future.
They are about the present.
They are about how much we weigh today, how little we ate today, how many calories we expended today. They aren’t about planning five or ten years down the road; no, they are part of the “here and now.”
Yet for most people who suffer from anorexia, bulimia, EDNOS or binge eating disorder, the future does come. And for many, a full-fledged battle with ana or mia subsides into a period of recovery. However, the scars and wounds inflicted during the months, years or even decades of an eating …read more

This week, I discussed how bulimics (and some anorexics and those with EDNOS who purge) are likely introducing all sorts of bacteria, germs and goodness knows what else into their throats every time they induce vomiting using objects such as their fingers, toothbrushes or spoon handles.
Sarah, a commenter, had this to say.  It really impressed me… especially the last bit about commodes:
I was just thinking about this. I have had quite the history with bulimia and while I have mostly overcome it, last week I had gastroenteritis. While sick I made myself throw up multiple times because it made me …read more

Educate others about the facts surrounding eating disorders. Dispel the myths that surround anorexia, bulimia and binge eating disorder. Find opportunities to talk with others, whether in small groups at your church or larger groups at a high school.
Work on getting healthy inside and out for yourself if you’re struggling with an eating disorder. It’s tough for people to listen to you if you’re not trying to recover from your dance with ana, mia or BED.
Learn all you can about eating disorders. If you’re going to advocate for recovery and (hopefully) prevent others from experiencing a struggle with anorexia, bulimia …read more

There’s no bulimic in the world who will tell you that bingeing and purging is a safe activity.  Everyone seems to be well aware of the physical risks associated with such behavior.
But what about the fiscal problems that being bulimic bring?
From a purely economical standpoint, it can be extremely expensive to keep eating copious amounts of food only to eliminate them before they can even partially nourish the body.  I have no idea how much a typical binge must run with food prices soaring (milk is $3.28/gallon on a good day); I’m guessing it’s pretty bad.
I’m requesting that any bulimics …read more