Bulimia

Heidiphobia · Post by **Heidiphobia** » Thu Feb 28, 2008 10:05 am

I have had depression for about twenty years, and suffered severely from Bulimia. I am in the program, and sort of overcame most of my bulimic urges. Recently, however, I'm getting back to throwing up when i am stressed. It's very hard. Any others have some tips?

Guest · Post by **Guest** » Sun Mar 02, 2008 1:47 pm

Have you tried using the compassionate self-talk or distracting yourself when you feel the urge to purge? (sorry for the rhyme)

Just to clarify, do you force yourself to throw up when stressed, or do you throw up when stressed?

I would definitely try the compassionate self talk. Compliment yourself for EVERYTHING! Like something about yourself? Even the tiniest thing? Compliment yourself! For example, if you love your eyes, say, "Gosh, I have gorgeous eyes!" Ooooze all over yourself with compassion.

Just out of curiosity, would you say you have low self-esteem? I know my friend has moderately to extremely low self-esteem, and she had bulimia for a while and still struggles with eating habits.

Guest · Post by **Guest** » Thu Mar 13, 2008 4:41 pm

I have dealt with eating disorders too. Mostly Annorexia but Bulimia too in the past. It is a pattern that we are familiar with, a ritual that we use to try to calm ourselves. But does it really help with the stress? In my case it leads to more stress because I know I am not caring for myself as I should. Something that do, which is similar to the caring self talk, is I think of a friend or loved one who I know and think of what I would say to her if she were having the problem that I am having. How I would feel about her(or him) and what I would want her to do. Distraction is also really useful. Call a friend, get on a message bored. Take a drive.... Remember we all falter sometimes but the fact that you have conquered it once makes you all the more likely to do so again.

Guest · Post by **Guest** » Sat Mar 15, 2008 7:27 am

I definitley would consider my self esteem "low", swillowness.

And I tend to decide to throw up when stressed, and do feel naseous when stressed (a learned reaction?).

The compassionate self talk seems to be helping. It's hard, because what goes through your head when deciding to throw up is "I'm so stressed, I feel sick, I am fat" all in one big rush and it is hard to calm your mind and sort it out.