Expert: Jeanne Rust, PhD - 7/27/2009

Question
hi, i've had anorexia for the past two years and recently i had to withdraw from uni to go to an inpatient treatment facility prior to getting help i had bulimic episodes but i woulndt binge i would just purge what ever i ate (usually fruit).  If i couldnt vomit i would exercise.  After getting out of the hospital, i've been so afraid to go back there.  I began eating and binging just to prove to my parents and so i wouldnt go back, but i hate the weight i've gained. I've lost some weight recently and i've become so entrenched in my bulimia.  Everything i eat must get out.  I hate the way i look and feel and i havent gone outside in three months, im just to uncomfortable.  Do you have any suggestions to help me not binge and purge or just purge for that matter.  Every day i wake up and i tell myself to not do it, but its so easy and effortless now.  The only way i feel comfortable is if i get back to a low weight so i can go out.  I also havent had my period in three years but im so scared to get it.  Also, i feel so bloated, when will this feeling go away? i'm sorry if i've been rambling i just need ways to convince my mind to stop??

Answer
Dear Renn,

I am so glad that you wrote me!  It sounds like the eating disorder has really gotten a grip on you!  I have seen so many people switch from anorexia to bulimia to compulsive eating -- and it's so sad!  

When someone does this, it tells me that there is some kind of chemical imbalance and physiological problem, usually, in brain wave activity, that is going on.

We need to look at eating disorders as being stress related conditions that affect every area of our lives!  When a person is stressed, they have high cortisol levels -- and high cortisol levels can create imbalances in every area -- so every area of "us" needs to be treated -- physically, mentally, emotionally, sexually, spiritually, and nutritionally!  Simply doing cognitive-behavioral therapy and nutritional education is not enough for many people.

I kow that the treatment you had didn't work for you.  I would suggest that you take a look at www.mirasol.net -- this is the kind of program you need -- one that is holistic, nurturing, and one that will treat every part of you!  I don't think there are any programs like this in Canada.  We've had some success with OHIP in Ontario if you need to use your government health.

Keep in touch with me -- I also have to ask if you're in therapy?  Are you seeing a nutritionist?  going to the hospital for treatment is not an event -- recovering is a process and can take some time!

The bloating that you're experiencing is normal for what you're putting your body through right now, Renn.

Let me know how I can help!

Warmly,
Jeannie Rust, PhD
www.mirasol.net
www.edrecovery.com