Friday, December 12, 2008

Social Support


In a search on one of the number one social networking sites, facebook, using the words eating disorders and bulimia, it was amazing to see the number of groups either dedicated to these specifically or in someway related. The majority of them being support groups for those who suffer from eating disorders. They are all different from a variety of different organizations including the National Eating Disorder Association (NEDA) and individuals. Most are designed to unite people against the issue and provide advice and experiences. Through posts on the wall the discussion is viewed by many individuals which lends to a protection against pro-eating disorder discussion and conversations.

Along with support groups found on social networking sites there are also many other support groups online dedicated to helping people who suffer from bulimia. These are all just a little more help and support for those who are looking for a way out of their disorder. They provide people who have made it and are able to share their success as well as others who are striving to overcome.

Wednesday, December 3, 2008

Tis the Season


Tis the Season for fun, family, friends, festivities and food. For those who suffer from eating disorders this time of year with all the holiday food and festivities can be extra stressful. With a wanting to be involved in activities of the season but struggling with eating disorders, many may feel overwhelmed.

CNN published this article from CNN. I felt it was very appropriate for the season and as good reminders and advice for all who struggle with or know someone who struggles with an eating disorder.

Holidays bring challenges for eating disorder sufferers

By Judy Fortin
CNN Medical Correspondent

KENNESAW, Georgia (CNN) -- The sweet smell of sugar cookies baking filled the air in Kris Shock's kitchen.

She pulled a tray from the oven and sat down with her 9-year-old son, Drew, to frost the treats.

Then, Shock did something that might have been unthinkable for her a few years ago. She took a bite of a cookie.

Shock, 36, of Kennesaw, Georgia, spent most of her adolescence and early adulthood struggling with bulimia and an addiction to diet pills.

Long holiday seasons were always the worst, Shock said, as she dealt with the stress of trying to create a picture-perfect Thanksgiving and Christmas for her family.

"I would be emotionally and physically exhausted come the New Year, and I would have no memories to show for it other than sheer anxiety," Shock recalled. "I would be acting out at every moment, whether that was using diet pills, taking laxatives or restrictive behavior, whatever I used to cope at that moment."

Now in recovery, Shock approaches the holidays and all that tempting food with a bit of trepidation. VideoWatch more on coping with holiday eating challenges »

"I always keep in mind that relapse is potentially possible if I don't do the right things," Shock said. "For me, that is being honest with myself, knowing that tomorrow I may have to pick up the phone and call a nutritionist ... or call my therapist."

That's just what some experts recommend, including Cynthia Bulik, director of the University of North Carolina Eating Disorders Program.

"For some people, the holiday season is filled with joyous occasions and wonderful food," Bulik said. "For other people, it can actually be quite a nightmare ... especially if you have eating disorders."

Bulik is busy these days helping her patients figure out how to navigate all the stress-inducing holiday parties and family gatherings.

She tells people with eating disorders, "Keep your support team on speed dial."

Bulik targeted her advice to people who suffer from anorexia nervosa, an eating disorder in which people develop an aversion to food, lose a lot of weight and are afraid of gaining weight.

"It can be incredibly overwhelming to be surrounded by so many different types of food," Bulik noted. "We often suggest that people with anorexia go to a party with a wingman. ... Take someone with you who is safe, to whom you can say, 'This is really tough for me. I need to take a break.' "

She shared similar advice for those who suffer from bulimia, a condition in which people binge and purge.

"We tell people to never go to a party hungry. ... That's the worst thing to do. It's really best to have a decent meal before you get there so you're not tempted to binge when you're at the party," Bulik recommended.

One of Shock's biggest challenges while recovering from bulimia was coping with probing family members.

"It was very anxiety-filled," Shock recalled, "I had to eat dinner with all these people where, many times, there were unspoken things I wanted to say."

Last Christmas, Shock tried a new strategy: eating dinner with her husband and children first and then attending a party. Shock called it a safer situation.

"I can take care of my physical body and then handle the process, the emotional anxiety that comes with typical social situations," she said.

Bulik advises well-meaning family members to try to help people with eating disorders feel as comfortable as possible.

"There is no play book," she said. "The best thing to do is not to push. ... Don't focus on their appearance, don't focus on what they're eating."

Another complication may occur when someone with an eating disorder must step into the chef's role and prepare dinner for a crowd.

Bulik advised, "If it is too tough to prepare that meal for 20 people that year, call in some help. Get takeout for a change. Do something that is easier for you. Don't always feel like you have to be the perfect hostess, because that can be the first step toward relapse."

Shock is taking the advice to heart. Remember the sugar cookies she was frosting with her son? Rather than stress out about making them from scratch, she bought the slice-and-bake version at the supermarket.

She figured she'd have more fun spending the extra time with her son.

"Take care of yourself," she advised. "You will feel empowered."

Wednesday, November 19, 2008

Control Paradox

If people are aware of the impact of bulimia or other eating disorders on their bodies why do they still do it? Why do they submit themselves to complications brought about by eating disorders?

One answer may be control. Often eating disorders develop when there is a major change or changes in a persons life. In looking at those at greatest risk of developing eating disorders--women-- we see a large variety of pressures that contribute to stress and anxiety. Women seem to feel the need to be a "superwoman" and during this quest when nothing else may seem to be in their complete control, women seek approval by at least being thin.

In an article published by the National Eating Disorder Information Centre talks about the control paradox that women face in transforming and focusing on their bodies to find control instead of the issues within their lives that are what they really desire to be fixed or controlled.

Thursday, November 13, 2008

Frequently Asked Questions


What is an eating disorder?
Eating disorders are conditions in which individuals are preoccupied with food and weight that they can focus on little else. Eating disorders are mental illnesses

What are the different types of eating disorders?
There are many types but the most common are anorexia nervosa, bulimia nervosa, and bing-eating disorder

What is Bulimia?
Bulimia is an eating disorder that is two part, bingeing--eating an extreme amount of food in a short period of time--and purging--riding the body of extra calories through vomiting, excessive exercise, laxatives, or other means

What are some of the symptoms of Bulimia?
Abnormal bowel functioning
Damaged teeth and gums
Going to the bathroom consistently after eating
Exercising even when hurt
Swollen jaw or cheeks
Rough skin on knuckles (use of fingers to induce vomiting)
Bloating
Fatigue
Dry skin
Constantly dieting
Feeling that you can't control your eating behavior
Unhealthy focus on body shape and weight
Hoarding food
Depression or anxiety
Irregular menstrual cycle or loss of menstruation

What causes bulimia?
Bulimia is more than a problem with food and can be set off by a variety of things. Biological, physiological, family, genetic, environmental and social factors all have potential to play a part in bulimia and other eating disorders.

Who is at greatest risk of developing bulimia?
All are at risk of becoming bulimic although specific high risk people are:
Gender: females
Age: adolescent and early-adult years
Family influences: those who are not secure with their families, parents are overly critical, or are teased about their parents
Emotional disorders: depression, anxiety disorders, and obsessive-compulsive
Dieting: those who lose weight are often reinforced by positive comments from others about a change in their appearance and often take it too far
Transitions: those who are in situations of change or situations out of their control
Sports, work and artistic activities: athletes, actors, dancers, and models
Media and society: exposure to media focused on body shape and size

What are the complications that can come from bulimia?
Complications include but are not limited to: heart disease, depression, bone loss, stunted growth, nerve damage, seizures, digestive problems, tooth decay, ruptured esophagus, type 2 diabetes, and death

What is the treatment for bulimia?
Treatment often requires a team of professionals including medical doctors, dietitians, and mental health providers. Proper treatment often includes psychotherapy, nutrition education, hospitalization, and medications

How does bulimia affect pregnancy?
Bulimia can cause many diverse problems with pregnancy including miscarriage, high blood pressure in the mother, still-born, low birth weight, birth defects, and problems breast feeding

What should I do if I think someone I know has bulimia?
If someone you know or love has signs of bulimia suggested ideas include:
Set up a time and talk with them
Tell your friend about your concerns
Ask the individual to talk with a professional
Avoid conflict
Don't place shame, blame, or guilt on the individual
Don't give simple solutions
Let your friend know that you will always be there no matter what

Wednesday, November 5, 2008

Seeking Help


If you, or someone you love is suffering with bulimia or another eating disorder, there is great hope in treatment

Eating Disorder Treatment Centers in Utah:

Center for Change
1790 N. State Street
Orem, UT 84057
Phone: (801) 224-8255

Passages to Recovery
98 South Main St.
Loa, UT 84747
Phone: (866) 625-8809

Avalon Hills Residential Eating Disorders Program
7852 West 600 North
Petersboro, UT 84325
Phone: (435) 753-3686

New Life Centers
1255 East 3900 South
Salt Lake City, UT 84121
Phone: (888) 281-3353

Pine Ridge Academy
1875 West 90th South
West Jordan, UT 84088
Phone: (888) 972-7736

Tuesday, November 4, 2008

The Facts About Bulimia Nervosa


- In the United States bulimia nervosa is most prevalent among women.
  • 5-15% of cases of anorexia/bulimia are men in the US (National Institute of Mental Health, NIH)
  • 95-85% of cases of anorexia/bulimia are women in the US (National Institute of Mental Health, NIH)
- Bulimia nervosa is an eating disorder that involves binging--eating a large amount of food in a short period of time-- and purging or other ways of ridding your body or calories which can include:
  • making yourself throw up
  • taking laxatives— pills or liquids that increase the movement of food through your body and lead to a bowel movement
  • exercising excessively
  • not eating or only eating very little
  • and taking water pills
- According to the Mayo Clinic, bulimia is categorized in two ways:
  • Purging bulimia. You regularly engage in self-induced vomiting or the misuse of laxatives, diuretics or enemas to compensate for binges.
  • Nonpurging bulimia. You use other methods to rid yourself of calories and prevent weight gain, such as fasting or overexercising, which is sometimes called exercise bulimia.

- Physical complications of bulimia include:
  • gastrointestinal problems
  • damaged or discolored teeth
  • lung irritation: choking while vomiting causes food particles to lodge in lungs
  • chronic loss of bodily fluids: depletes blood potassium, sodium and chloride levels
  • muscles spasms, weakness, irregular heartbeat and kidney disease
- Along with binging and purging other signals of bulimia include but are not limited to:
  • using the bathroom frequently after meals
  • preoccupation with body weight
  • depression or mood swings
  • irregular periods
  • developing dental problems, swollen cheek glands, heartburn and/or bloating
  • experiencing personal or family problems with alcohol or drugs