Bulimia Nervosa Treatment
At times, we can find ourselves feeling out of control with our life circumstances. Things can begin to feel like chaos and we start to want to take back control in any way that we can. Sometimes, this way of coping turns in on yourself. You may feel trapped in a cycle of extreme eating behaviors, struggling with feeling as if you are at odds with your physical self, or isolating yourself from those around you. Maybe you are looking for help for a loved one and do not know where to turn or what to look for. If you are finding yourself on this page for bulimia nervosa treatment in Georgia for yourself or on behalf of a loved one, know that you are not alone.
Bulimia Nervosa:
Bulimia Nervosa is one of the more prevalent eating disorders. It is often characterized by a cycle of binge eating and purging. Binge eating is defined as eating a large amount of food in one sitting. This amount of food is seen as generally much larger than most would eat at once and is usually consumed in a short amount of time. Usually, this is done in secret, as many of their loved ones may not be aware they are binge eating at all. Many feel out of control during binge eating, but find temporary comfort at the moment. In order to regain a sense of control, they then will begin purging, which can take many forms.
Some people will engage in self-induced vomiting where they will make themselves throw up. Others will excessively take laxatives or diuretics. Some may use excessive exercise or the extreme restriction of food intake as a way of purging as well. This behavior usually comes right after binging to control their weight and help regulate their emotions. People struggling with Bulimia are preoccupied with wanting to control their weight and being thinner. However, there are usually deeper roots besides wanting to control their outside appearance. These behaviors serve as a way to cope with the uncertainty, pain, and hardships they have experienced or are currently facing. Often, controlling food and their physical experience feels stable and safe.
Body Dysmorphia in Bulimia Nervosa:
Many people with eating disorders also struggle with body dysmorphia or poor body image. Body dysmorphia is characterized as the disruption of how you see your physical self. For someone struggling with body dysmorphia, they may view their body as being significantly larger than it is in reality. This then can impact and continue the cycle of binging and purging to control their appearance. It is important to note that not everyone will experience every symptom of Bulimia, as it can take many forms and vary from person to person.
Physical Symptoms of Bulimia Nervosa:
Someone struggling with Bulimia may be underweight or at a weight that is considered normal. Their weight may also frequently fluctuate due to the cycle of binge eating and purging. Gastrointestinal problems are also common, as people may develop stomach issues related to binging and purging. In some cases, you will see issues arise with the person’s mouth or teeth, but this is more common with individuals who use self-induced vomiting as a form of purging.
Other common physical symptoms are brittle nails, thinning or shedding hair, and loss of menstrual cycle. They may also have trouble sleeping and be more sensitive to feeling cold. Physical complications from Bulimia can also become more serious and require a higher level of medical attention including problems with the heart, organs, and bones. Bulimia, like most eating disorders, can become life-threatening, and it is important to seek immediate bulimia nervosa treatment and help.
Psychological Symptoms of Bulimia:
Several behavioral patterns are a warning sign that someone may be struggling with Bulimia. Many individuals will want to eat in private and feel uncomfortable eating around others. This is typical because much of the binge eating is done without anyone knowing. Often, people with Bulimia Nervosa will develop food rituals and very specific patterns with eating. Breaking away from these food patterns leads to feelings of extreme discomfort and distress. Others will try to hide changes in their weight by wearing large clothing. With this, many with eating disorders engage in body-checking behavior, which is related to body dysmorphia.
Body checking is the compulsive checking of their physical self for reassurance that there have not been weight-related changes to themselves. Body checking can become ritualistic and consist of very specific behaviors. Regarding changes in temperament, you may encounter frequent mood swings and extreme changes in behavior. This can include risk-taking behavior, like engaging in risky sexual behavior, stealing, drug or alcohol abuse, etc, and self-harming. Anxiety and depression are usually present as well.
How We Can Help You Heal with Bulimia Nervosa Treatment in Georgia?
We are here to meet you where you are in your struggle with Bulimia Nervosa and are honored to walk with you through recovery. It is our goal to help you begin to feel more confident in yourself and help you develop a better relationship with food and your body. Our approach to eating disorder recovery and bulimia nervosa treatment in Georgia is centered around using Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT) and Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT).
Our approach will help you learn and apply coping skills to ease distress and discomfort during recovery as well as help you see yourself and your body in a more positive light. Eating disorders can often stem from past trauma or difficult life event and you deserve a space a safe space to process, heal, and grow. We are here to help and support you through the highs and lows of recovery towards the life you deserve.
Begin Bulimia Nervosa Treatment in East Cobb, Marietta, or Via Online Therapy in Georgia!
You don’t have to keep living with such a complex relationship with food. Our eating disorder therapists are here to support you. When you’re ready to get started at East Cobb Relationship Center in Georgia, we’re ready to help. Here are the steps you need to take:
- Contact us by filling out the form below or emailing us at info@eastcobbrelationshipcenter.com.
- Next, one of our caring and competent eating disorder therapists will respond to your inquiry within one business day to set up your appointment.
- Then, it’s time to begin healing and bring balance back to your life and relationships.
Other Counseling Services:
We know that mental health is important and challenges many. Therefore, Bulimia Nervosa Treatment isn’t the only thing that East Cobb Relationship Center offers. We also offer effective counseling for adults, teens, and young adults suffering from eating disorders, anorexia, body image, depression, compulsive sexual behavior, and enmeshed men. Our therapists also specialize in couples counseling and affair recovery.