Food Addiction Support Group

An individual suffering from a food addiction disorder frequently experiences episodes of uncontrolled eating, or binging, during which they may feel frenzied or out of control. They will eat much more quickly than is normal, and continue to eat even past the point of being uncomfortably full. Binging in this way is generally followed by a period of intense guilt feelings...

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Attention Former Bulimics!

WildIndigo
WildIndigo
Hi All,

I have a dilemma, and I need advice. I work with a very bright and talented 16 year old girl, who we've discovered is bulimic. She sneaks food, purges several times a day at work, and is constantly on a diet. She's lost a lot of weight, for which people praise her, and I'm afraid that that is only affirming this less than ideal life direction. I worked alone with her the other day, and we had a candid dialogue about food addiction, but what's the next step?

My question is, what do we do? Do we tell her parents, do we have an intervention? Do I send her anonymous info on the side effects of bulimia? I have some ideas, but I've never had to deal with someone who is in the midst of this. I want to help her in the most constructive, positive way possible.

Thanks a bundle!
deleted_user
deleted_user
i think the anonymous info is the best bet to start off with... telling her parents should be a last resort because all it will result in is a lot of anger and denial. i am former bulimic myself and it was honestly something i had to conquer myself, but then again everyone is different. i was confronted about my problem by a friend and it really made me think about my life and what i was doing to my body... if the anonymous info doesnt appear to be working i would confront her in private and see how that works out... just remember that she can only change and overcome it if she truly wants to... no one can make her do it... its a personal choice and she has to want to be healthy and happy in order to overcome it. good luck.
deleted_user
deleted_user
if she was an adult, I would say that sending her anonymous info may be helpful, but she is still a child, I think her parents should know. She needs help now. I started b/p when I was 17, I only wish someone knew then, so I would not have wasted over 10 years of my life with this terrible disease. Bulimia is much too dangerous of a disease for such a young girl to deal with herself. Yes she maybe angry at first, but in the long run I am sure she would thank you for it. I would tell her first you want to inform her parents. Maybe then you could talk to them with her.
Spirit13
Spirit13
the main question should be... Does she want to change? and how bad does she want it?.

I was bullemic for a few months only but it's so much to do with the way your mind works and in a way you start to train your body to follow with it - that cycle needs to be broken.
For me I forced myself to go to counselling which REALLY helped and confided in a trustworthy confidential source that way. Perhaps you can help her get in touch with a counsellor / depending how your system works where you are find a gp, get her 6 free sessions through them or something like that.

Other than that passing on info. that can help her want to change can't hurt at all but it's ultimately up to her as self esteem and image is deeply personal.