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eLearning Series: Mental Illness
Explain Mental Illnesses To Me
How
To Beat Bulimia
Bulimia is a mental illness that is common
in teens as well as in adults. If you have bulimia, it is important
to know not only how to identify it, but also the important
steps that you can take in order to become healthy. By eliminating
this eating disorder, you will have more energy, and will be
able to function at a higher level in your every day life.
Bulimia
is an eating disorder that is defined by over eating. This
over eating is then balanced out by purging the food back
out of the system. This is usually done by vomiting, taking
a laxative or water pill. The main reason why people become
bulimic is because of problems with weight and self identity.
They will then become overly critical of weight as well as
body shape and type. This is often reinforced by the thin image
that is accepted as healthy by society.
Bulimia
can cause several physical problems. The first thing
that happens is the body tries to balance out in other ways.
If you are vomiting or getting rid of the food through pills,
it will cause acid to continuously be moving through your body,
which is not naturally there. This can cause the outer layers
of your teeth to wear down and become permanently damaged.
It will also cause your throat to become damaged by inflaming
the esophagus. The glands near the cheeks may also become swollen
from the excess acid moving through your system.
More internal problems may also occur as a result from bulimia.
Damage to your stomach will often occur. This damage may never
be solved, depending on how long you are bulimic for. This
problem is furthered by your digestive system not being able
to function properly when you become bulimic and also after
you have started to become healthier. This problem eventually
moves upwards into the heart. Several who are bulimic may experience
heart failure, which can eventually lead to death. This is
a result of the chemical imbalances that occur from the lack
of food and minerals being lost from the body.
Another result that often occurs from bulimia is ulcers and
inflammation of the pancreas. This is a result from the pancreas
not being able to digest properly. If it remains inactive or
is confused from the vomiting and pills, then it will respond
by inflaming and causing ulcers. After you begin to get healthy,
it will take a while for the pancreas to respond and function
at a normal level again.
If you are recognizing that you have a bulimic eating disorder,
it is best to get it solved right away. Bulimia and obsession
over your weight and body type can become addictive. As time
goes on, it is harder to stop the problem and becomes more
difficult for your body to begin functioning at a normal level
again.
If you have been binge eating and purging your food for more
than three months, than you are considered bulimic. This, as
well as an obsession with your body weight and type will add
onto the bulimia. If you have been involved in these behaviors
then it is best to get help now.
The
first thing to do is to meet with your physician and tell
him or her of your problem. They can help you in recovering
and changing these habits. The first thing that will need to
happen is a change in your way of thinking towards eating as
well as the habits that have begun as a result from bulimia.
If the problem has become out of control, doctors will usually
check you into a hospital until your body becomes more able
to function at a healthy level. They will most likely monitor
your behaviors as well as your eating habits.
The
next step is to make sure that you remain healthy. A better
diet will help you in fighting this disorder. Behavioral therapy
is one option to take part in. You can also get on medication
to allow you to begin a better eating lifestyle. Fighting off
the mental affects that bulimia has, including the addictive
behaviors and the habit of not keeping food down will be continuous
battles after you begin to get healthy with bulimia.
The effects of bulimia are not only detrimental to you physically,
but also mentally. Bulimia will be a mental disorder that you
will have to fight off after you have ended bulimia. If you
are bulimic, it is best to begin getting help now. The physical
damage, as well as the mental problems that may result from
bulimia are reasons why you should not become bulimic or learn
to fight off the disorder. # # # # #
SolveYourProblem.com
: 2006
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