Can I overcome bulimia on my own?

Hey... I posted on this thread a few months back. Starting a new one because I haven't seen any recent discussions about eating disorders—specifically bulimia.

So, I went looking for professional help today regarding the bulimia. Since I’m already on antidepressants for depression (which is actually stable right now, but then the bulimia kicked in), my doctor bumped up my dosage. He claims it'll help curb the urge to purge. Does anyone know if antidepressants actually help even a little bit with bulimia?

The other thing on my mind... assuming the meds do provide some relief, has anyone actually managed to pull themselves out of this on their own? My doctor is insisting on formal treatment, which involves an intensive outpatient program where I'd be in a clinic for 8 hours every single day. That basically means taking medical leave. How am I supposed to handle that at work? There's no way I'm telling my boss I need sick leave because of bulimia.
Plus, there’s a chance I might switch to a better job soon, so how do you even take immediate medical leave at a brand-new gig? I know everyone's gonna say "health comes first," but is there seriously no alternative to these all-day group therapy sessions? I asked my doctor, and he just said no.

Robert Gray3 said:Hey... I posted on this thread a few months back. Starting a new one because I haven't seen any recent discussions about eating disorders—specifically bulimia.

So, I went looking for professional help today regarding the bulimia. Since I’m already on antidepressants for depression (which is actually stable right now, but then the bulimia kicked in), my doctor bumped up my dosage. He claims it'll help curb the urge to purge. Does anyone know if antidepressants actually help even a little bit with bulimia?

The other thing on my mind... assuming the meds do provide some relief, has anyone actually managed to pull themselves out of this on their own? My doctor is insisting on formal treatment, which involves an intensive outpatient program where I'd be in a clinic for 8 hours every single day. That basically means taking medical leave. How am I supposed to handle that at work? There's no way I'm telling my boss I need sick leave because of bulimia.
Plus, there’s a chance I might switch to a better job soon, so how do you even take immediate medical leave at a brand-new gig? I know everyone's gonna say "health comes first," but is there seriously no alternative to these all-day group therapy sessions? I asked my doctor, and he just said no.

I don't want to scare you with what I'm about to say, but I feel like I should share this for perspective. I had a best friend who hid her struggle with bulimia, and because of the long-term mental toll it took, she ended up taking her own life. We didn't find out the truth until a few months later.
The standard approach for treating bulimia usually involves medications like Prozac or Zyprexa. You really do need to seek treatment. I’ve heard that the medical staff at the Mayo Clinic is among the best and most comprehensive out there. It might be worth trying to get into a day program. Whatever you decide, I truly wish you the best. Just don't expect constant support from everyone around you or even from psychiatrists; unfortunately, eating disorders are so much more complex than they seem, and they have very little to do with food itself.

Robert Gray3 said:Hey... I posted on this thread a few months back. Starting a new one because I haven't seen any recent discussions about eating disorders—specifically bulimia.

So, I went looking for professional help today regarding the bulimia. Since I’m already on antidepressants for depression (which is actually stable right now, but then the bulimia kicked in), my doctor bumped up my dosage. He claims it'll help curb the urge to purge. Does anyone know if antidepressants actually help even a little bit with bulimia?

The other thing on my mind... assuming the meds do provide some relief, has anyone actually managed to pull themselves out of this on their own? My doctor is insisting on formal treatment, which involves an intensive outpatient program where I'd be in a clinic for 8 hours every single day. That basically means taking medical leave. How am I supposed to handle that at work? There's no way I'm telling my boss I need sick leave because of bulimia.
Plus, there’s a chance I might switch to a better job soon, so how do you even take immediate medical leave at a brand-new gig? I know everyone's gonna say "health comes first," but is there seriously no alternative to these all-day group therapy sessions? I asked my doctor, and he just said no.

From what I understand, you aren't required to disclose the reason for your medical leave, and your employer isn't legally allowed to ask. You just provide the doctor's note stating the dates you'll be out for treatment, and that's it.
Health really is the priority here. Grinding through an 8-to-4 schedule for a private company isn't worth delaying treatment for a serious illness.

Robert Gray3 said:Hey... I posted on this thread a few months back. Starting a new one because I haven't seen any recent discussions about eating disorders—specifically bulimia.

So, I went looking for professional help today regarding the bulimia. Since I’m already on antidepressants for depression (which is actually stable right now, but then the bulimia kicked in), my doctor bumped up my dosage. He claims it'll help curb the urge to purge. Does anyone know if antidepressants actually help even a little bit with bulimia?

The other thing on my mind... assuming the meds do provide some relief, has anyone actually managed to pull themselves out of this on their own? My doctor is insisting on formal treatment, which involves an intensive outpatient program where I'd be in a clinic for 8 hours every single day. That basically means taking medical leave. How am I supposed to handle that at work? There's no way I'm telling my boss I need sick leave because of bulimia.
Plus, there’s a chance I might switch to a better job soon, so how do you even take immediate medical leave at a brand-new gig? I know everyone's gonna say "health comes first," but is there seriously no alternative to these all-day group therapy sessions? I asked my doctor, and he just said no.

I don't think the day programs are always 8 hours; it really depends on what kind of disorder you're dealing with. As for the medical leave part—those old rigid rules aren't really a thing anymore. You should look into the pros and cons of different options. Also, check out the Beaumont center.

Robert Gray3 said:Hey... I posted on this thread a few months back. Starting a new one because I haven't seen any recent discussions about eating disorders—specifically bulimia.

So, I went looking for professional help today regarding the bulimia. Since I’m already on antidepressants for depression (which is actually stable right now, but then the bulimia kicked in), my doctor bumped up my dosage. He claims it'll help curb the urge to purge. Does anyone know if antidepressants actually help even a little bit with bulimia?

The other thing on my mind... assuming the meds do provide some relief, has anyone actually managed to pull themselves out of this on their own? My doctor is insisting on formal treatment, which involves an intensive outpatient program where I'd be in a clinic for 8 hours every single day. That basically means taking medical leave. How am I supposed to handle that at work? There's no way I'm telling my boss I need sick leave because of bulimia.
Plus, there’s a chance I might switch to a better job soon, so how do you even take immediate medical leave at a brand-new gig? I know everyone's gonna say "health comes first," but is there seriously no alternative to these all-day group therapy sessions? I asked my doctor, and he just said no.

I don't think the day programs are always 8 hours every day, though it really depends on the specific disorder. As for the sick leave part—those old rigid rules aren't really a thing anymore. You should look into the pros and cons of different options. Also, there used to be that center in Beaumont.

Look, I just wanted to reach out and share my own experience with you.
My struggle with bulimia started way back in 2008. Since I was living with my parents at the time, I didn't have the freedom I have now, nor did I even know things like intensive outpatient programs actually existed.
I can't pinpoint exactly when the cycle finally broke, but getting serious about weight training at the gym was a turning point for me.
I’m not sure how much time you spend on social media, but there are several personal trainers out there who actually have degrees in psychology before jumping into fitness; they integrate mental health support directly into their training sessions. That approach worked wonders for me, though nothing beat true introspection. If you have any access to a therapist or psychiatrist, please take it. Trying to white-knuckle this on your own can turn into a decade-long battle, just like it was for me.
You might not need a full-scale residential program, but you definitely need to talk to someone. Start putting your thoughts down on paper—try to figure out what triggers those episodes.
Once you start finding those answers and truly facing the reality of it all, everything begins to shift.🙂

I suppose you're looking at two distinct paths here:
- You could try to juggle your job and a "normal" life while attempting to manage treatment on the side.
The problem is, that's likely going to be twice as difficult. Since your version of a "normal life" is currently defined by this struggle, finding any real traction feels almost impossible.
- Or, you could find the courage to finally put yourself first. Take some time off—whether it’s paid leave or just stepping away entirely—and get out of the environment that keeps you sick, moving instead toward a new situation where healing is actually possible.

If you go with the first option, I suspect your recovery will just stall indefinitely, and honestly, the outcome is questionable at best.
If you choose the second, you'll have to hit pause on "normal life" for a brief, intense period. But in doing so, you might actually resolve this once and for all, allowing you to eventually build your own "happily ever after."

I wish you luck, and more importantly, courage. I think you can do this.

Thanks for all the support and advice, everyone.
I’m still totally lost on what to do next. It’s always "starting tomorrow" this or "starting tomorrow" that... just endless stalling.
Yeah, I went down to the clinic in Queens. They told me straight up that I need medical treatment—and time off work. But since I'm right in the middle of switching jobs, I have no clue how to pull that off without everything blowing up. Honestly, I feel pretty pathetic about it. Sometimes I think I can just white-knuckle it through—just decide to quit and be done—but once the anxiety and stress hit, I start bingeing like crazy, and my brain treats food like it's literal poison. 😢