The Detrition Of Bulimia Nervosa
Bulimia Nervosa is an eating disorder that affects millions of people around the world mentally and physically. Bulimia is the act of binge eating than using an unhealthy method to get rid of the food such as purging or using laxatives. I have chosen this topic because I was one of those millions affected by this disorder. Like many others, I could never bring myself to do any sort of research about the effects it may cause. There are many major issues with this disorder that affect a person physically, socially, psychologically and financially. In addition, bulimia nervosa can also affect one’s family and society. However, through all the negativity, there are coping strategies and community resources to help all individual.
Firstly, there are a handful of dangerous and life-threatening problems associated with bulimia. Some physical health effects include dental problems, electrolyte abnormalities, intestinal problems, scarred hands from excessive vomiting, esophagus issues and the list can go on. For example, a dental problem that is most likely to occur is tooth decay. For instance, when a person goes through a purging episode, the acid from one’s stomach will start to cause the tooth enamel to break down. On the other hand, bulimia can also affect a person's social interactions.
Many people who suffer from this disorder can also suffer from depression, anxiety or PTSD. Bulimia can quickly take over a person’s life, it becomes hard for the individual to bring themselves to any kind of social event or environment where there will be food. For example, I have personally found myself canceling events and plans weekly because there would be food around. It ruined my social interactions. Another aspect of a person's life that bulimia can affect is their psychological health. Majority of people that suffer from bulimia live in fear constantly. For instance, they may become fearful of whether or not all of the food will be purged and fearful of increased weight gain. The fear of food and weight gain can quickly add stress and anxiousness during their daily life. In addition, this may cause the individual to become irritable and cranky towards others and themselves. Apart from one's daily life is employment. Sadly, employment can also affect a person suffering from bulimia by draining them physically and mentally. In order to do a job, you need to be physically awake and ready to do the tasks given. In addition, you would need to be mentally stable in order to work with coworkers or clients and patients depending on their occupation.
However, people who deal with bulimia become fatigue from purging and feel consumed by food and weight. So, they may not be able to perform their tasks efficiently or properly. Furthermore, bulimia can also become a burden on an individual’s financial state. For instance, a portion of bulimia is the act of binge eating up to 20,000 calories a day. So, this can become costly since food does cost money. For example, I personally have spent hundreds of dollars in just a few weeks trying to feed my disorder. It can also become costly if something were to happen to an individual. Bulimia can send an individual to the hospital multiple times or treatment centers.
Secondly, there is a great deal of impact on the individual suffering from bulimia’s family and society. When someone's family is involved in their life, they want nothing but the absolute best and healthiest life possible. However, bulimia can quickly or gradually tear a family apart. In most cases, a family will feel a mix of emotions such as hopelessness because they can’t make them stop or responsible for not noticing. In addition, they can feel tension, guilt, anger or frustration. Comparatively, bulimia can also have an impact on our society. From the moment that we are born, we are surrounded by advertisement, social media, and television. It is inevitable that we will grow up comparing ourselves to others around us. The more we progress in life, the more we feel a certain significant value in physical appearance such as body image. Additionally, in our society, we attach a thin body image with happiness.
As if we reach our goal all of our problems will disappear. Furthermore, this creates unhealthy habits physically and mentally. Lastly, as a PSW, I would feel an enormous amount of empathy for my client and their family. I would give each of the different kinds of coping strategies and coping mechanisms. As for the client, I would tell them that the first thing you need to do is confide into someone you trust. Everyone will always need someone whether it be a parent, friend or spousal that he or she can depend on to immediately relieve them of some amount of stress. In addition, I would tell them to keep a journal with them, and every time they feel like they have an urge to binge and purge, write every single thought and feeling you have about it and yourself. Even if they do cave in and binge and purge, write everything down. The moment you feel like relapsing again, read the journal. So, once they read the amount of guilt and depression, it can help prevent another episode. As for the family, I would let them know that the best thing they can do is be supportive. Instead of getting angry, they need to understand the disorder.
So, I would ask them to do research about all aspects of it. Although it can be scary, it can also bring perspective. Without the knowledge, a family could become angry quickly and not understand how to handle the situation. I would also recommend the family to start a healthy life with the client. Sometimes, a healthier lifestyle with a balanced diet and exercise can show the client that life can be amazing and they can feel absolutely amazing without having food and weight be their entire life. Lastly, I would tell the family to be patient. An eating disorder doesn't go away overnight. Their loved ones depend on them to be there for them even if they don't fully understand. Furthermore, for all eating disorders, community resources can be very helpful.
In conclusion, bulimia nervosa is an eating disorder that affects all aspects of an individual's life. These can include physical health, social interactions, psychological well-being, financial state, employment and impact on family and society. No matter how long one person has been doing it, it is a dangerous and life-threatening disorder that can quickly take over your life physically and mentally. However, no matter the circumstances, recovery is always a viable option. In a life of comparison, addiction, and danger choose to be healthy and the best you possible.
