As bulimia nervosa is often accompanied by feelings of shame and guilt, many people hide this condition from their loved ones. Even if there is a sense something is wrong, it can be difficult to catch on to the more subtle symptoms. Here are a few that are often overlooked by concerned family members and friends.
Inability to Stop Eating
With bulimia nervosa, the compulsive urge to binge has a harmful impact on mental health and wellbeing. The binge-and-purge episodes are almost always done secretly. These binge-eating episodes may only be noticeable through a mass of food wrappers being discovered or extreme weight fluctuations.
Purging Behaviors
Whether through self-induced vomiting or laxative use, purging can cause painful gastrointestinal problems, damage to the heart and other vital internal organs.
Just as with binging, purging is also most usually done in secret. Family members can pay attention to when and how long their loved ones go to the bathroom – in particular following meals or late at night. Also, note any laxative use or cuts around their fingers as those could also be signs of bulimia nervosa.
Negative Body Image
While almost every struggles with self-image sometimes, it’s persistent and pervasive among bulimia nervosa sufferers. People with poor body image may make off-hand disparaging comments about their body in a joking manner, or have a strong preoccupation with their appearance. Usually, they won’t want to discuss this sense of self-disgust, making it hard to identify for outsiders.
Some Symptoms Are More Noticeable
Bloating
The process of repeated binging can cause the stomach to harden and swell over time, as it is repeated overstuffed and then emptied. This is a late-stage development, but other forms of swelling may also occur.
Facial swelling can develop when the salivary glands and esophagus are repeatedly damaged by stomach acids. If family members notice their loved one dealing with any type of bloating or swelling of the abdomen or face, then it’s time to start looking for professional help.
Fatigue and Tiredness
Without regular food intake, vitamin and mineral deficiencies can prevent the body from functioning properly, leading to chronic fatigue. Family members might notice their loved one struggling to wake up in the morning, as well as having a hard time engaging in their normal activities. Although many disorders can cause fatigue, it’s an important warning flag for malnutrition caused by bulimia nervosa or another eating disorder.
Teeth and Gum Damage
When people with bulimia nervosa engage in purging behaviors, they cause extensive damage to their teeth and gums. Every time stomach acid flows up into the mouth, the acidic compounds eat away at the tooth enamel, causing rot and decay. Furthermore, malnourishment from a lack of proper food each day can slow healing to a crawl, resulting in constantly worsening dental health.
Depression and Anxiety
Eating disorders are well-known to be hand-in-hand with other mental health diseases, such as depression and anxiety. When these issues arise, it is a sure sign that there is a need for support, whether or not there is an eating disorder as well.
Although depression and anxiety certainly occur independently of bulimia nervosa, there is a good chance they are linked to the development of any eating disorder. Even if not, it is important to acquire care for mental health problems of any kind to prevent complications from arising. Most eating disorder recovery programs work to address these mental and behavioral health issues in conjunction with the more severe eating disorder.
When family members start to notice that something might be wrong, they can show their support by having gentle, compassionate conversation on the subject with their loved one. Their efforts can go a long way in motivating their loved one to take control of their health and seek care at a bulimia nervosa treatment center.
What to Do If the Diagnosis Is Bulimia Nervosa
With support, people with eating disorders are absolutely treatable. When motivated to help their loved one, family members can provide the push many people need before entering bulimia nervosa treatment. Family members can help their loved one speak with an admissions specialist to identify and acquire the right level of care. With their support, and the help of trained professionals, people can make a full recovery and live a happier, healthier life.
