How do you get a bulimic to see herself correctly?!
Question: How do you get a bulimic to see herself correctly.?
her BMI is 14.8 - her routine is sleep as long as she can - usually between 2pm and 4pm she binges at 6pm to 7pm then throws up for 2hrs - lately its been getting worse where she now binges and purges at 2pm and then again at 7pm - the past three weeks her weight has been stable - she says she wants to stop and is going to a day program - but at the same time she sees herself as what she was at BMI of 20 - she says she sees no change even though others tell her otherwise and she is very frustrated by this - how can i help her to see what we see.?Health Question & Answer
Answers:
This is a really, really tough problem. Although I struggle with ED issues myself, I am very aware of them, and it is my one blessing. Many, many people in the same situation can not even begin to recognize that they even have a problem.
The good thing is, she seems to also recognize that her ED has become a major problem in her life. She is working hard to get better. No, she may not see herself for how thin she really is. Still, feel good that she's getting some kind of help. Hopefully things will change. As she gets healthier, her emotions will become more stable. also, if she is going to treatment, then the therapists there will probably help her. I know that it may be hard, but don't let her weight be your main focus. Telling her "you aren't fat", and things like that, will make her defensive and she will flat out disagree with you. Instead, tell her "I am concerned about your health, because I care about you. What you are doing is unhealthy." Try to focus on health instead of weight.
Would you be able to go with her to the clinic.? If not everyday, maybe once a week just for an hour or so.? Clinics are open to family and friends wishing to offer support. There is no need to take her with you, if you want to make an appointment by yourself (although I would encourage you to be open with her that you are going). Tell the therapist what is happening. They can give you suggestions on how to help her. also, it can be a place to speak about YOUR feelings regarding her eating disorder. You can tell them if you are feeling angry, helpless, scared, whatever. Obviously you care very deeply about her. This is the best thing that you can do. LOVE HER. Don't leave her to deal with it by herself, but don't let it control your life either.
Take care of her and yourself. I really hope that things get better for her. Good luck.Health Question & Answer
The good thing is, she seems to also recognize that her ED has become a major problem in her life. She is working hard to get better. No, she may not see herself for how thin she really is. Still, feel good that she's getting some kind of help. Hopefully things will change. As she gets healthier, her emotions will become more stable. also, if she is going to treatment, then the therapists there will probably help her. I know that it may be hard, but don't let her weight be your main focus. Telling her "you aren't fat", and things like that, will make her defensive and she will flat out disagree with you. Instead, tell her "I am concerned about your health, because I care about you. What you are doing is unhealthy." Try to focus on health instead of weight.
Would you be able to go with her to the clinic.? If not everyday, maybe once a week just for an hour or so.? Clinics are open to family and friends wishing to offer support. There is no need to take her with you, if you want to make an appointment by yourself (although I would encourage you to be open with her that you are going). Tell the therapist what is happening. They can give you suggestions on how to help her. also, it can be a place to speak about YOUR feelings regarding her eating disorder. You can tell them if you are feeling angry, helpless, scared, whatever. Obviously you care very deeply about her. This is the best thing that you can do. LOVE HER. Don't leave her to deal with it by herself, but don't let it control your life either.
Take care of her and yourself. I really hope that things get better for her. Good luck.Health Question & Answer
Getting her to see her consumption pattern is only part of the solution. Bulimia is a phobic reaction to a major disappointment in a relationship. The relationship or lack of a relationship is the central problem. Health Question & Answer
meds..or just hit her on the head.Health Question & Answer