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Practicing Self-Care in Bulimia Recovery
Contributor: Crystal Karges, MS, RDN, IBCLC, Special Projects Coordinator at Eating Disorder Hope/Addiction Hope
Bulimia nervosa is a severe psychiatric illness that can take a toll on the body, mind and spirit in multiple ways. Many individuals who struggle with bulimia may not fully be aware of the implications of what they are dealing with and continue to be high functioning with their current lifestyle.
However, many of the medical complications associated with bulimia can be fatal and include electrolyte abnormalities, cardiovascular complications, internal bleeding and organ damage, gastrointestinal distress and more.
Bulimia is often associated with many negative stigmas that can prevent a person from seeking out the professional help and care they need for recovery. If you have been struggling with bulimia, you may even be in denial about what you are dealing with or feel that you are not “sick enough” to get treatment you need.
However the behaviors associated with repeated binging and purging cycles can be detrimental to the body, even if done infrequently. Practicing self-care measures can be a helpful way of assisting the body in recovering from the behaviors often seen with bulimia.
Self-care
The most effective way in which you can practice self-care is to seek out professional help and treatment, which can be an intervention in itself. There are other ways in which to practically incorporate self-care, particularly after binging and purging episodes. If you are post a purging episode, this is a critical time period to care for your body.
Though the acts connected with bulimia are often associated with self-loathing, it is important to put effort into helping your body recuperate. Allowing yourself to rest if possible following purging can be helpful in recovering. Replenishing fluids and electrolytes is also another important aspect of recovering from purging.
If you are dealing with bulimia, it is urgent to address this issue as soon as possible. If you are experiencing any unusual physical symptoms, such as heart palpitations, light-headedness, sweating/chills, black outs, bleeding when vomiting, etc. seek out medical care promptly. Reaching out for help in itself is a form of self-care and something that should be a high priority when bulimia is a concern.
Community Discussion – Share your thoughts here!
What do you think are other ways to practice self-care when bulimia is present?
Crystal is a Masters-level Registered Dietitian Nutritionist (RDN) with a specialty focus in eating disorders, maternal/child health and wellness, and intuitive eating. Combining clinical experience with a love of social media and writing, Crystal serves as the Special Projects Coordinator for Eating Disorder Hope/Addiction Hope, where her passion to help others find recovery and healing is integrated into each part of her work.
As a Certified Intuitive Eating Counselor, Crystal has dedicated her career to helping others establish a healthy relationship with food and body through her work with EDH/AH and nutrition private practice.
The opinions and views of our guest contributors are shared to provide a broad perspective of eating disorders. These are not necessarily the views of Eating Disorder Hope, but an effort to offer discussion of various issues by different concerned individuals.
We at Eating Disorder Hope understand that eating disorders result from a combination of environmental and genetic factors. If you or a loved one are suffering from an eating disorder, please know that there is hope for you, and seek immediate professional help.
Last Updated & Reviewed By: Jacquelyn Ekern, MS, LPC on November 19, 2015
Published on EatingDisorderHope.com
