Individuals with bulimia are more likely to come from families where there is a history of eating disorders, physical illness and other mental health problems.  Bulimia itself is a complex illness that affects how our brains work and also how we make decisions.

Binge-purge cycles can happen anything from several times a week to many times in a day.  It dominates their daily life as well as leading to relationship difficulties and struggles with social situations.  Often people struggling with bulimia have a normal or above body weight, letting them hide their problem for years thus allowing it to become much more deeply rooted.

Physical complications with bulimia include:

• Dental issues due to constant periods of vomiting
• Overuse of laxatives can seriously affect both the heart and the digestive system
• Tiredness
• Constant feelings of being bloated
• Constipation
• Stomach pains
• Irregular periods
• Swelling of the hands and feet

Physical and emotional signs of bulimic behaviours can include:

• Preoccupation with food
• Secrecy around food
• Disappearing off quickly after eating
• Being self-conscious of eating around others
• Obsession with weigh scales – for self and food
• Low self-esteem
• Irritability
• Mood swings
• Increased levels of anxiety

Seeking help for bulimia can increase a person’s chances of a better relationship with food as well as a better quality of life and health.  Therapy looks at the links between the thoughts, feelings and behaviours of the sufferer and supports them to identify triggers to these self-destructive behaviours and help change that thinking.

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