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10 things to do in the now when facing Bulimia

“I am too fat,” Syarah Qasrina Bte Roslan, a 14-year-old past Bulimic, shares her thoughts Bulimic persons have about themselves while they go through the eating disorder.

“Bulimia is an eating disorder and it is often where people binge and overeat and after that they feel guilty about it, they purge, and it takes a toll on the body,” said Dr Christopher Pereira, a past teacher and counsellor at BMC International College.

Research by the National Eating Disorder Association has shown that there are up to 70 million people in the world suffering from eating disorders. According to statistics gathered through a recent survey done on 30 Singaporean youths ranging from 13 to 21 years old, 60% know of someone suffering from Bulimia.

With a rise in beauty standards, issues like “low self-esteem, depression or anxiety, may trigger the eating disorder,” according to Dr Pereira.

In a generation where Bulimia is on the rise, it is crucial for those going through Bulimia or have friends or family members going through them, to know of ways to deal with the eating disorder in the moment.

“The first step for anybody to get help, is to admit that they are suffering and to accept that they want to seek help,” said Dr Pereira.

There would be less to no improvement if they are in denial. Therefore, before anything can be done, the very first step is to admit and accept that they are suffering from Bulimia.

After admittance and acceptance, comes communication. “Open communication should be initiated” according to mother of past Bulimic, Safarizah Abu Bakar.

Bulimic individuals have to be open and willing to share their thoughts with their loved ones and those they trust. By doing so, the individual can express their feelings when the need arises, instead of purging. Although there is no guarantee that Bulimics will not pick binging and purging over talking to their loved ones, there would be more options open to them. They will then have more flexibility on how to tackle the factors that trigger Bulimia.

While it is necessary for Bulimics to be open about their feelings, the responsibility to talk about it lies with their loved ones. According to statistics gathered from the survey, more than 83% rank this step as the most important thing to do when dealing with Bulimia. Family members, close friends or a trusted adult – not limited to, can engage in discussions with them to find out their progress. However, if it comes down to factors like depression or anxiety as a result of Bulimia, professional help has to be sought out.

An example could be giving them a “hug or something so it shows that there is someone supporting them from the back,” expressed 14 year old past Bulimic, Syarah Qasrina Bte Roslan.

Also, loved ones should make an effort to offer a listening ear. Sometimes, all it takes is just listening to their thoughts and concerns. In fact, it can be an outlet where they express their feelings and perhaps in the long run, pick that over purging.

“Always exercise patience, provide time and understanding of their conditions and avoid forcing and blaming,” advised Ms Safarizah.

This is one of the major things to do when one is suffering from Bulimia. Statistics from the 2018 survey show that more than 86% shun this method. At times, it might be frustrating for loved ones to handle the issue when they have no experience dealing with similar cases. However, showing frustration may only aggravate them and make the situation worse. There is even a possibility that the Bulimic individual may choose to opt for more extreme measures. Therefore, patience is essential when dealing with Bulimia.

It is also important to respect their privacy. It is best to not reveal that they are suffering from Bulimia to irrelevant parties like distant relatives or colleagues without their consent. It tarnishes the image of the individual and does not show the respect they deserve.

According to Dr Pereira and Syarah, Bulimic persons should avoid triggers and distract themselves with their hobbies.

“Avoid people and places that would trigger emotions that degrade them and wants and needs to binge,” advised Dr Pereira.

To do this, you can engage in hobbies. For example, you can spend time with your pets, which is Syarah’s personal favourite.

However, when time calls for serious measures, loved ones should contact help hotlines like Samaritans of Singapore or the Care Corner which are organisations that provide help to those in need. They would be able to advise on what to do during serious situations.

Statistics show that coming up with a diet plan is voted the second most important thing to do when facing Bulimia in the now by 50% of the surveyors. If the Bulimic individual is still persistent on losing weight, coming up with a balanced diet plan would be a healthier option. Perhaps loved ones or professionals may be able to assist the individuals on this.

Surrounding yourself with supportive loved ones that show support is one advice that Dr Pereira emphasised on. It is vital for Bulimic individuals to receive support and attention from their loved ones. With support, the road to recovery will be less bumpy.

Finally, learn to love yourself for who you are. Although the other steps mentioned before were important, this is the most critical to Bulimic persons. Since bulimia roots from lack of affection for one’s body, learning to love it would surely help in the long run.

“No matter your size, how small or how big you are, you are beautiful,” Syarah believes.