Your Care Instructions

Bulimia nervosa is an eating disorder. People with bulimia are very concerned about body shape and size and are afraid of gaining weight. They may crave food and find ways to eat a lot of it fast. This binge eating is often set off by stress or an emotional upset. After overeating, people with bulimia may feel guilty, uncomfortable, or ashamed. They may vomit, use laxatives, or exercise excessively to get rid of the food they ate.

Counselling to understand the condition and to learn ways to reduce stress is a big part of treatment for bulimia. Nutritional counselling can help you learn how to eat a healthy diet. It may help to have your family take part in family counselling so that they can support you. Treatment with medicines such as antidepressants also can help.

How can you care for yourself when you have an eating disorder?

Here are some things you can do to take care of yourself during recovery from an eating disorder.

Stick to your treatment plan.

Go to any counselling sessions you have. If you can't go, or don't think the sessions are helping, talk to your counsellor about it. And take any medicines you've been prescribed exactly as directed.

Work on healthy eating habits.

Listen to what counsellors and nutrition experts say about healthy eating. Learn about what makes a healthy and balanced diet, and then make a plan for your own healthy eating.

Learn healthy ways to deal with stress.

Managing stress is important in recovery. Find what works for you. You could try things like journaling, volunteering, reading, or meditating.

Take it easy on yourself.

Focus on your good qualities. Don't blame yourself for your disorder. And remember that recovery takes time, and that you can make progress one goal at a time.