Eating disorders, anxiety, and isolation...
in Psychology & Therapy ·
I know exactly how this feels... First and foremost, you have to stop the cycle of overeating and then purging. It will only lead to more weight gain, and you'll notice your salivary glands swelling up—it gives you that "bulldog" look—not to mention your hair thinning and becoming brittle, your nails weakening, and your complexion turning yellow. Your teeth will suffer from cavities because the stomach acid eats away at the enamel, and if you go too deep when trying to induce vomiting, you'll end up with sores in your throat; honestly, even a dentist would be able to tell you're struggling with bulimia. As for the damage to your internal organs, I won't even go there. I know exactly what I am talking about because I spent many years battling both anorexia and bulimia myself.
You are simply going through a particularly dark chapter in your life right now, which isn't unusual, and please believe me when I say you aren't alone in this. There are much heavier burdens people carry... What is your relationship like with your parents? Try to confide in them; you don't need to put on a brave face or pretend to be strong when you are hurting. If you feel like you need to take a gap year, then take it, but they won't understand or support that decision unless you explain the underlying reasons. Tell them you are dealing with an eating disorder; just lay it all out there. Once you open up to them, a massive weight will lift. From there, you can work together to find a psychiatrist who can provide the professional guidance you need.
Bulimia isn't something to be ashamed of or viewed as something "abnormal," other than the fact that it is absolutely treatable. Please, do not try to carry this burden by yourself; no man is an island.
Your parents love you deeply and would do anything to protect you; they certainly don't want to see you suffering. You are in pain, and you need help. You shouldn't have to endure this isolation, as staying silent only prolongs the agony. I know finding the strength to speak up feels nearly impossible, but once you start talking, the words will flow, and I promise you will feel better.
The first step is coming clean to them, and then you can figure out the next steps. If you need to move back home for a while, do it. Your health is the absolute priority here, and you must realize that bulimia is merely a symptom of something much deeper. You haven't done anything wrong, and you aren't to blame for any of this; you are simply ill. Think of it this way: if you were diagnosed with cancer, would you hide that from your parents who are always there for you?
I am keeping my fingers crossed for you and truly wishing you nothing but the best, because I genuinely feel for you.
You are simply going through a particularly dark chapter in your life right now, which isn't unusual, and please believe me when I say you aren't alone in this. There are much heavier burdens people carry... What is your relationship like with your parents? Try to confide in them; you don't need to put on a brave face or pretend to be strong when you are hurting. If you feel like you need to take a gap year, then take it, but they won't understand or support that decision unless you explain the underlying reasons. Tell them you are dealing with an eating disorder; just lay it all out there. Once you open up to them, a massive weight will lift. From there, you can work together to find a psychiatrist who can provide the professional guidance you need.
Bulimia isn't something to be ashamed of or viewed as something "abnormal," other than the fact that it is absolutely treatable. Please, do not try to carry this burden by yourself; no man is an island.
Your parents love you deeply and would do anything to protect you; they certainly don't want to see you suffering. You are in pain, and you need help. You shouldn't have to endure this isolation, as staying silent only prolongs the agony. I know finding the strength to speak up feels nearly impossible, but once you start talking, the words will flow, and I promise you will feel better.
The first step is coming clean to them, and then you can figure out the next steps. If you need to move back home for a while, do it. Your health is the absolute priority here, and you must realize that bulimia is merely a symptom of something much deeper. You haven't done anything wrong, and you aren't to blame for any of this; you are simply ill. Think of it this way: if you were diagnosed with cancer, would you hide that from your parents who are always there for you?
I am keeping my fingers crossed for you and truly wishing you nothing but the best, because I genuinely feel for you.