Question: My Girlfriend is Bulimic, what should I do?
My Girlfriend has recently admitted to me that she has made herself sick on several occasions. We haven't been going out very long and I already understand that she is emotionally unstable as she lacks trust but also lacks self confidence. I have read up on symptoms of bulimia and the general facts about it; from the symptoms I can attach many of the mental and physical symptoms to her. I know that she goes on ProAnna sites frequently and also that she has irregular menstrual cycles, i appreciate that these things may not be directly linked to bulimia but despite her plee to me that it's more of a habit and not a major thing I find that hard to believe (not a lack of trust I just understand that it's not something that easy to admit about).
Questions that I could do with advice on...
1) As a boyfriend how should I be supporting and aiding her?
2) Is referring her to a specialist a good thing to do?
3) Any other advice from previous experiences with bulimia would also be appreciated.
Thanks
Relation Questions:
Answer:
Just knowing that she has told you about her Bulimic experiences should tell you something. Even if you haven't been going out that long she probably has a sense that she can trust you and has openly told you about her issues. I think she wants you to try and help her but not by getting a specialist. If you see over a few weeks that it is like severely bad, then yes, but for right now reassure her that you find her absolutely beautiful. You should try talking to her about her self confidence problems. Listen, don't speak. Also know that you can't just be like, "Hey babe you are so gorgeous and nothing's wrong with you!" *BAM* she's fine. No, lol. It's going to take time.
make sure she knows that you are behind her 100% and that you care about her, but try not to be too pushy. If you feel like she's pushing you away, try to make more of an effort because it's most likely the disorder talking. Try to wean her off of the proana sites aswell as they are extremely harmful.
If she wants to get better then helping her see a specialist is a good idea, don't force her into it though, there would be no point. Apparently with these sorts of disorders there is more of a chance of full recovery the earlier you start.
There isn't really much more advice to be honest.
http://recoveringinspirings.blogspot.co.…
^^ here is a good list of things you should NOT say to her.
i hope she gets better soon, i know more then most that this is not a nice way to live.
if you have any more questions i'm 16yo girl and i've had bulimia/anorexia for 3 years (in recovery) my email is: madeleinegiles_95@hotmail.com
You can also pass my email onto your girlfriend if you want, i'd be happy to talk to her/give her support. She's extremely lucky to have you.
First thing ask her if she wants help to stop.
Yu can't help an "addict" if they don't want to help themselves. I have a cousin who is bulimic and she doesn't want to stop. Now, aftervyears if doing this she's slowly killing hersel and she's only 21.