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Mental Illness: Battling Bulimia - Information You Should Know
Bulimia is a mental illness that is common in teens as well as in adults. If you
have bulimia, it is important to know not only how to identify it, but also the
important steps that you can take in order to become healthy. By eliminating
this eating disorder, you will have more energy, and will be able to function at
a higher level in your every day life.
Bulimia is an eating disorder that is defined by over eating. This over eating
is then balanced out by purging the food back out of the system. This is usually
done by vomiting, taking a laxative or water pill. The main reason why people
become bulimic is because of problems with weight and self identity. They will
then become overly critical of weight as well as body shape and type. This is
often reinforced by the thin image that is accepted as healthy by society.
Bulimia can cause several physical problems. The first thing that happens is the
body tries to balance out in other ways. If you are vomiting or getting rid of
the food through pills, it will cause acid to continuously be moving through
your body, which is not naturally there. This can cause the outer layers of your
teeth to wear down and become permanently damaged. It will also cause your
throat to become damaged by inflaming the esophagus. The glands near the cheeks
may also become swollen from the excess acid moving through your system.
More internal problems may also occur as a result from bulimia. Damage to your
stomach will often occur. This damage may never be solved, depending on how long
you are bulimic for. This problem is furthered by your digestive system not
being able to function properly when you become bulimic and also after you have
started to become healthier. This problem eventually moves upwards into the
heart. Several who are bulimic may experience heart failure, which can
eventually lead to death. This is a result of the chemical imbalances that occur
from the lack of food and minerals being lost from the body.
Another result that often occurs from bulimia is ulcers and inflammation of the
pancreas. This is a result from the pancreas not being able to digest properly.
If it remains inactive or is confused from the vomiting and pills, then it will
respond by inflaming and causing ulcers. After you begin to get healthy, it will
take a while for the pancreas to respond and function at a normal level again.
If you are recognizing that you have a bulimic eating disorder, it is best to
get it solved right away. Bulimia and obsession over your weight and body type
can become addictive. As time goes on, it is harder to stop the problem and
becomes more difficult for your body to begin functioning at a normal level
again.
If you have been binge eating and purging your food for more than three months,
than you are considered bulimic. This, as well as an obsession with your body
weight and type will add onto the bulimia. If you have been involved in these
behaviors then it is best to get help now.
The first thing to do is to meet with your physician and tell him or her of your
problem. They can help you in recovering and changing these habits. The first
thing that will need to happen is a change in your way of thinking towards
eating as well as the habits that have begun as a result from bulimia. If the
problem has become out of control, doctors will usually check you into a
hospital until your body becomes more able to function at a healthy level. They
will most likely monitor your behaviors as well as your eating habits.
The next step is to make sure that you remain healthy. A better diet will help
you in fighting this disorder. Behavioral therapy is one option to take part in.
You can also get on medication to allow you to begin a better eating lifestyle.
Fighting off the mental affects that bulimia has, including the addictive
behaviors and the habit of not keeping food down will be continuous battles
after you begin to get healthy with bulimia.
The effects of bulimia are not only detrimental to you physically, but also
mentally. Bulimia will be a mental disorder that you will have to fight off
after you have ended bulimia. If you are bulimic, it is best to begin getting
help now. The physical damage, as well as the mental problems that may result
from bulimia are reasons why you should not become bulimic or learn to fight off
the disorder.
About the Author
Ainuddin Mohamad is the Webmaster of
http://InsaneMind.com
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