Bulimia. What to do about my colleague?
Question:
It's obvious because she is dead skinny and eats like a horse and then disappears to the toilet for ages and she does this several times a day. Do you think I should say something or just keep my nose out. I'm just concerned that she's doing herself harm.
Answers:
Do NOT walk in on her while she is vomiting. I am bulimic, and I know that nothing in the world would hurt me more if someone caught me. I guarantee you she is ashamed of what she is doing and it would only make her upset and embarrassed if you snuck around and spied on her.
Just confront her that you are worried about her appearance, and offer yourself up to her to talk to if she needs anything. Tell her you understand, you'll always be there, and you promise not to judge.
You don't have to be skinny to suffer from bulimia. I am fat and I have been suffering from it for over 35 years.
Nothing you can do. It is a disease. You can suggest a doctor but even then they won't help.
you should tell her that you think she has a problem.
and if she really considers you a good friend, she will listen and accept that fact..
you could also inform her relatives (discreetly) and get help from a medical professionals.. there should be hospitals where they have wards dedicated to females with eating disorders (both anorexia and bulimia)
How is bulimia treated?
Patients with bulimia present a variety of medical and psychological complications which are usually considered to be reversible through a multidisciplinary treatment approach. Treatment can be managed by either a physician, psychiatrist, or in some cases, a clinical psychologist. The extent of the medical complications generally dictates the primary treatment manager. A psychiatrist, with both medical and psychological training, is perhaps the optimum treatment manager.
A number of antidepressant medications have been shown to be beneficial in the treatment of bulimia. Several studies have demonstrated that fluoxetine (Prozac), a member of the selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor (SSRI) class of antidepressants, has been effective in the treatment of bulimia. And, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration has approved fluoxetine for the treatment of bulimia.
Other types of antidepressants, including the monoamine oxidase inhibitors (MAOIs), tricyclic antidepressants, and buspirone (Buspar) have all been shown to decrease bingeing and vomiting in people suffering from bulimia. However, the SSRIs remain the first choice for treatment due to their relative safety and low incidence of side effects.
Other drugs are currently under investigation as possible treatments for bulimia. Examples are the antiepileptic drug topiramate and the serotonin antagonist ondansetron.
Some patients may require hospitalization due to the extent of the medical or psychological complications. Others may seek outpatient programs. Still others may require only weekly counseling and monitoring by a practitioner. Stabilization of the patient's physical condition will be the immediate goal if the individual is in a life-threatening state. The primary goals of treatment should address both physical and psychological needs of the patient in order to restore physical health and normal eating patterns. The patient needs to identify internal feelings and distorted beliefs that led to the disorder initially. An appropriate treatment approach addresses underlying issues of control, self-perception, and family dynamics. Nutritional education and behavior management provides the patient with healthy alternatives to weight management. Group counseling or support groups can assist the patient in the recovery process as well.
The ultimate goal should be for the patient to accept herself and lead a physically and emotionally healthy life. Restoration of physical and mental health will probably take time, and results will be gradual. Patience is a vital part of the recovery process. A positive attitude coupled with much effort on the part of the affected individual is another integral component to a successful recovery.
Well, I'll tell you this...
It sucks that your friend has a problem, but you should stay out of other peoples' business unless it concerns you in a way that it does harm to you. If it bothers you, then you should confront her about it, but otherwise, just stay out of her business.
If it's starting to make you feel really uneasy, I know that you don't want to sound like a snitch, but you should tell a counselor. (You can ask them if you can be anonymous.)
It'll help her a lot. Good luck!! ♥
it could be colitis or IBS. or cancer.
Be friendly with her and eat meals with her.She is either in excruciating pain or extremely lonely.
Walk in while she's vomiting. This way you know for sure and she is confronted with the chance to talk about it.
It is something that cannot be helped very well. You don't have to be skinny with it either. Some people become fat when the quit for a while and then they stay fat but still sometimes throw up. It's a mental and emotional issue that doctors have trouble treating. It makes many doctors angry and some will even refuse to treat a long time bulimic or will scoff at just about any physical complaint they have, such as vitamin deficiency pains.
First find out if it's true she vomits. Then find GOOD help, preferably someone who specifically treats eating disorders.
omgosh
I would take her aside and tell her of your concerns. If she becomes upset,,tell her that you care and want to help.
If she refuses not much can be done
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