Why can't I just stop?

If you live with bulimia, you probably know this loop well. You promise yourself it's the last time. Then comes a binge, then guilt and shame, then an urgent need to get control back, and the cycle starts again.

From the outside, nobody may suspect a thing. It often hides behind a smile and a busy life. Inside, it can feel overwhelming, lonely and exhausting.

What is bulimia nervosa?

Bulimia is an eating disorder involving cycles of binge eating followed by behaviours aimed at preventing weight gain, such as vomiting, over-exercising, fasting, restrictive eating or other attempts to "undo" what's been eaten. People with bulimia are often preoccupied with food, weight and body shape.

But it's rarely just about food or appearance. For many people it becomes a way of coping with difficult emotions, anxiety, self-criticism or a sense of being out of control.

Do I have to look a certain way to have an eating disorder?

No, and this is one of the biggest myths. People with bulimia may be in a "normal" weight range, underweight, overweight or anywhere in between. Family, friends and colleagues are often completely unaware. Eating disorders don't have a look.

What does living with it feel like?

•      Being consumed by thoughts about eating, weight or body image

•      Eating large amounts quickly or secretly, and feeling unable to stop once you start

•      Guilt, panic or shame afterwards

•      Compensating by purging, restricting, over-exercising or "starting again tomorrow"

•      Fear of gaining weight, harsh self-judgement and constant comparison

•      Secrecy: buying food in private, hiding evidence, dreading being judged or told to "just have more willpower"

What causes bulimia?

There's rarely a single cause. It often grows from a mix of low self-esteem or harsh self-criticism, anxiety, perfectionism, body image struggles, fear of weight gain, dieting or restrictive eating, stress, and pressure to look a certain way. Bingeing and purging can become a way of coping in the moment, even though it usually brings more distress afterwards.

Is bulimia dangerous for my health?

It can be. Repeated bingeing and purging may contribute to heart palpitations and irregular heart rhythms, dehydration and electrolyte imbalances, stomach pain and digestive problems, acid reflux, dental damage from stomach acid, fatigue and dizziness, and hormonal or menstrual changes. The emotional toll, including anxiety, shame, depression and hopelessness, can be just as heavy.

None of this means you're weak or failing. Bulimia isn't a lack of willpower.

Who can develop bulimia?

It's diagnosed more often in younger women, but teenagers, adults, men, women and older people can all be affected. You don't have to fit a stereotype to deserve help.

Is recovery really possible?

Yes. I support people to gently understand what's driving the eating patterns, anxiety and distress underneath the behaviour. We work on changing unhelpful thought patterns, easing shame and building a calmer, kinder relationship with food, your body and yourself. The aim is more than stopping a behaviour.

How would we begin?

With a free, no-obligation initial consultation, agreed before any treatment starts. Sessions run online via FaceTime, Messenger, WhatsApp or Zoom, from anywhere. Email me or call (61) 0409 254 500, and you'll get clear answers to any questions you have.