You know, I struggled with bulimia for years and it’s tough. Let me tell you, the main thing you’ll notice is the constant cycle of eating way too much and then trying to undo it somehow, like making yourself throw up, which was my go-to, sadly. On top of that, there’s a ton of guilt and shame after each binge, it’s so emotionally draining. As for getting better, therapy really helped me—finding a good psychologist who understood eating disorders made all the difference. There’s no one-size-fits-all solution, but speaking out and reaching for help is a vital first step.

Symptoms of Bulimia

Bulimia nervosa, commonly referred to as bulimia, is characterized by repeated episodes of binge eating followed by compensatory behaviors such as self-induced vomiting, excessive use of laxatives, fasting, or excessive exercise. The symptoms include eating unusually large amounts of food in short periods, a sense of lack of control during bingeing, and experiencing shame or guilt following a binge. People with bulimia often maintain a body weight that is normal or slightly above average, making the disorder less visibly obvious than anorexia.

Treatment Approaches

Treatment for bulimia is generally multidisciplinary, involving dietary management, psychological therapy, and sometimes medications. Cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) is considered the most effective form of psychotherapy for treating bulimia. It addresses distorted eating behaviors and thoughts about body weight and shape. Medications, such as antidepressants, may also be prescribed to help reduce the obsessive-compulsive features of bulimia. Ultimately, long-term success is achieved by a combination of these treatments tailored to individual needs.