How do Bulimics and Anorexics See Food?

Posted by Ellern Mede
2
Dec 2, 2020
126 Views

Isn’t our mind just the most wonderful thing? It thinks, creates and processes many different thoughts, feelings and emotions. But it is also susceptible to inside and outside influences. Sometimes, an influence will be from an unknown source, and the change that occurs can be for the worse. Bulimics and anorexics have medical issues in which the mind changes itself and the body.

These two eating disorders have been around for years, but only recently have these disorders become more common. It goes without saying that only recently have professional bulimia and anorexia nervosa treatment options become available.

How do bulimics and anorexics see food?

Food, for bulimics and anorexics, is used not to just eat but to have a sense of control. There is a difference between overeating and bulimia, and under-eating and anorexia.

Overeating happens a lot by many people; the holidays are one time in which many of us eat too much at one time, and we can admit it. Bulimics eat very large portions at one time, on a regular basis, and then purge what they have just eaten. Anorexics, on the other hand, will not eat at all. And if they must eat, it will be small portions and then purge the food.

Bulimia and anorexia sufferers are wonderful people who want to have what everyone else has, but they feel that they have lost control, that they are not beautiful, they don’t fit in, they are not skinny and can’t wear the latest clothes. Peer pressure, anxieties and stress can easily take over and cause their minds to think and do some crazy things. Finding a way to solve their problems is found by using food as their release of this stress.

Thinking that the negative feelings will go away if a large amount of food is consumed does not seem that it would make one feel better, but on a psychological level, it does. The bulimic has convinced themselves that bingeing is the best way to handle their problems. The bingeing and purging can easily be hidden. Similarly, the anorexic finds control over the thoughts of gaining weight by eating tiny portions or skipping meals and then purging if they do eat.

Repetitive negativity that our society is placing on each other is very overwhelming to the brain. Attempting to make oneself fit a particular image and mentally not believing that the image will ever be achieved can be devastating to one’s self-esteem. Finding a way to believe that one can change to be another is psychologically and physically harmful. Bulimics and anorexics believe that they can’t be who everyone else wants them to be, and by using food as their source of control, they feel that they can change to fit society’s image.

Bulimia and anorexia can affect people physically, psychologically and socially… they can even be fatal. So, if you or someone you know is suffering from bulimia or anorexia, get in touch with an eating disorder therapist in London as soon as possible.

 

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