What It Is

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Bulimia (bulimia nervosa) is an eating disorder in which individuals binge (excessive overeating), and then compensate for their binge (typically by throwing up, also known as purging). There are two major types of bulimia. Individuals with the purging type of bulimia regularly purge what they have consumed in order to avoid gaining weight. The second type of bulimia is the non-purging type. In this type of bulimia, individuals will compensate for their binging by excessively exercising or fasting. Individuals with bulimia have a fear of gaining weight, but not everyone with bulimia is underweight.

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Warning Signs & Symptoms

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• constant weight fluctuations

• electrolyte imbalances

• broken blood vessels in the eyes

• enlarged glands in the neck and under the jawline

• oral trauma (lacerations in the mouth or throat)

• chronic dehydration

• inflammation (swelling) of the esophagus

• chronic gastric reflux after eating

• peptic ulcers

• infertility

• disappearance of large amounts of food

• eating in secrecy

• lack of control when eating

• going between periods of overeating and fasting

• going to the bathroom after meals

• smelling like vomit

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Treatment

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The first step of getting treatment for bulimia is telling someone that you are struggling. Talk to your doctor, or a trusted teacher or guidance counselor. Your doctor will work with you to determine if you have bulimia and what kind of treatment you need. Your doctor may refer you to a psychiatrist, therapist, and/or nutritionist to help you with recovery. It’s important to remember that bulimia does not define you. If you need help, or someone you know needs help, it’s important to ask for help, even if you think that you don’t deserve it.

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Hotlines & Websites for Support

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Bulimia & Self-Help Hotline (24 hour crisisline): 1-314-588-1683

 

crisistextline.org: text “START” to 741- 741

 

Eating Disorders Center: 1-888-236-1188

 

For help finding a therapist: 1-800-THERAPIST (1-800-843-7274)

 

National Alliance on Mental Illness: 1-800-950-6264

 

National Association of Anorexia Nervosa and Eating Disorders: 630-577-1330

 

National Eating Disorders Association: 800-931-2237

 

National Institute of Mental Health Information Center: 866-615-6464

 

Teen Helpline: 1-800-400-0900

 

Youth Crisis Hotline: 800-HIT-HOME

 

nationaleatingdisorders.org – Provides support services and learning tools for individuals with eating disorders.

 

nimh.nih.gov – NIMH stands for “National Institute of Mental Health”. It has information about mental illnesses and promotes awareness about mental illness and disorders.

 

teenmentalhealth.org – Provides information about mental disorders and mental illness.

 

thenationalcouncil.org – This is the website for the National Council for Mental Health. It has information about mental illnesses and articles on other topics.