Understanding Bulimia as a Mental Health Challenge: Prevention and Awareness

Did you know that people with bulimia nervosa can have normal body weight and shape? A person could be looking perfectly healthy and still be suffering from this eating disorder problem. This calls for great concern as others cannot detect that the individual needs help unless he/she sees it as a problem and seeks for help. Research shows that people with this eating disorder don’t seek for help until they reach the ages of 30 to 50 years. By this time, their eating behavior is deeply ingrained and harder to change.

As a matter of fact, this mental illness can affect anyone of any age, gender, ethnicity or background. The late Princess Diana of Wales was also a victim of this mental illness. It is therefore imperative that people should be aware of this problem early enough as early treatment gives the best chance for a fast and sustained recovery. This essay delves into why bulimia is a mental health challenge and presents strategies for prevention and early intervention.

What is Bulimia?

Bulimia is a serious mental health condition where a person frequently eats a large amount of food in a short time (binge-eating) and then tries to get rid of the food by vomiting or using laxatives (drugs used to aid quick digestion). Some use the non-purging method such as fasting or exercising excessively just to lose the food. This behavior is often driven by concerns about body weight and shape, and it can have harmful effects on physical and emotional wellbeing.

Binge eating is an escape root for some people facing difficult emotions like stress, anxiety and anger. In the process of binge eating, people suffering from bulimia are unaware of their excessive food consumption. Some say they feel disconnected from their actions during the eating period. These episodes are distressful, and people may feel trapped in the cycle of purging and bingeing (Binge Eating Disorder, 2017).

Why do people suffer from Bulimia?

One of the driving factors behind bulimia is a distorted body image and low self-esteem. These victims often see themselves as overweight or undesirable, regardless of their actual weight. Also, people find bulimia to be a coping mechanism from emotional distress. Victims believe that bingeing provides relieve from emotional pain, while purging offers a perceived sense of control. In addition, those who suffer from this mental challenge do have underlying psychological factors like anxiety, depression and perfectionism. This disorder often masks deeper emotional struggles.

Why Prevention Matters

Preventing bulimia is vital for the physical health of an individual. People with bulimia are likely to suffer from stomach rupture, heart problems due to loss of vital minerals, dental problems (the acid in vomit wears down the outer layer of the teeth), inflamed esophagus, swollen glands near the cheeks, irregular menstrual periods and many more. Prevention ensures that physical health remains intact.

Also, prevention fosters a positive self-image and helps individuals develop healthier coping strategies. This will lead to emotional resilience and improved self-esteem. Furthermore, early intervention and prevention allow individuals to avoid social isolation and maintain relationships with friends and family.

Moreover, there is a genetic link as eating disorder tends to run in the family. It is therefore vital for you as a person to prevent yourself from having this disorder so as to stop it from becoming a generational problem.

Ways to Prevent Bulimia

1. Promote Positive Body Image: As a society, we need to encourage self-acceptance and a healthy body image. Name-calling based on a person’s physique should be stopped all together. Individuals should be taught ways to appreciate their own bodies and the bodies of others without including sexual innuendos.
2. Ensure Healthy Eating Habits: It is important to have a balanced and mindful eating habit. It is also important to listen to hunger and fullness cues that your body gives to you. Eat at the right time, and ensure that you only eat the quantity that your body needs at a given period.
3. Foster Open Communication: An environment where people can have open and non-judgmental conversations about their feelings and concerns should be created. This will allow people to speak out about the challenges that they face with eating disorders. This will also enable them to seek help and support when needed.
4. Create more Awareness and Education about Bulimia: When people are aware of bulimia and the adverse effect it causes, they will seek ways to prevent it. Timely intervention will also be rendered to individuals suffering from it. Therefore, everyone in the society especially teenagers should be educated concerning the warning signs and consequences of bulimia.
5. Seek Professional Help: If you know of anyone who is exhibiting signs of bulimia, encourage them to seek professional assistance. Therapists, dietitians and support groups can provide valuable guidance for such a person.

Finally, bulimia nervosa is a mental health challenge with severe emotional, physical and social consequences. Prevention is of eminent importance for the overall health of an individual. By ensuring healthy eating habits, open communication, positive image, awareness and early intervention, individuals can be empowered to liberate themselves from the grasp of bulimia and embrace a happier, healthier life. Let us all work together to conceive a society that values self-acceptance, emotional well-being and mental health.

About Author

Oluwafunmilayo Makinde

Oluwafunmilayo Makinde is a Communication and Language Arts graduate from the University of Ibadan. She is also a creative writer, journalist and a mental health advocate. Funmilayo believes in the power of using creative words to change the world’s belief system and values.

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