Bulimia Nervosa

Bulimia Nervosa

Bulimia Nervosa is a serious and potentially life-threatening eating disorder characterized by cycles of binge eating followed by attempts to prevent weight gain through compensatory behaviors. It is not simply about food or willpower—it is often rooted in complex emotional and psychological experiences..

During a binge episode, an individual may consume a large amount of food within a relatively short period of time and feel a sense of loss of control. Many describe feeling disconnected, numb, or unable to stop once the episode has begun.

For many, binge eating serves a purpose. It can offer temporary relief from overwhelming emotions or provide a sense of escape when internal experiences feel difficult to manage. However, this relief is often short-lived and followed by intense feelings such as shame, guilt, or anxiety.

In response, the individual may feel a strong urgency to “undo” what has happened, leading to purging behaviors such as self-induced vomiting, misuse of laxatives or diuretics, or excessive exercise. These patterns can feel exhausting and isolating, but they are also understandable responses to distress.

With the right support, it is possible to begin understanding these patterns and develop more sustainable ways of coping.

Teens and adults with bulimia may also exhibit the following behaviors:

Feeling out of control while eating

Secrecy or hiding food

Alternating between overeating and fasting

Fluctuations in weight may or may not occur

Water retention or swollen cheeks

Dental issues -- recession in gums and teeth

Eating unusually large quantities of food-

in shorter period of time than typical

Going to the bathroom after meals

Use of diet pills, laxatives

Impaired self-image

Anxiety and social isolation 

Hyper-focused on Body image

Depression, lethargy

Excessive exercise, especially after eating

Calluses on knuckles

Teens and adults with bulimia may also exhibit the following behaviors:

Feeling out of control while eating

Secrecy or hiding food

Alternating between overeating and fasting

Fluctuations in weight may or may not occur

Water retention or swollen cheeks

Dental issues -- recession in gums and teeth

Eating unusually large quantities of food-

in shorter period of time than typical

Going to the bathroom after meals

Use of diet pills, laxatives

Impaired self-image

Anxiety and social isolation

Hyper-focused on body image

Depression, lethargy

Excessive exercise, especially after eating

Calluses on knuckles

I would love to talk with you more about how we might work together .