Challenges Of Overcoming Bulimia

In the vicinity of the world, 4.7 million females and 1.5 million males have their lives dangered by bulimia, a potentially deadly disorder, which has been distinguished in patients as young as six years old (Ouellette). Bulimia gives a flawed feeling of “self-esteem, competence, and control.” The “mental ‘numbness’ and physical ‘high’ are a few reasons that the binge-vomiting behavior becomes so addictive” (Cohn and Hall). Many are working toward a solution to reduce the high numbers of bulimics. Some suggest mindfulness meditation helps control those who are bulimic; however, it may be proven that the Emily Program, a program that offers care and management, is a more effective solution.

It is crucial for the United States to surmount the heart-rending and urgent crises plaguing the nation today: Bulimia. Bulimia Nervosa is a “psychological and severe life-threatening eating disorder” where one consumes an overload of food in one sitting then proceeds to purge it to avoid gaining weight (“Bulimia Nervosa”). This illness has not been brought to light until a paper of the first clinical documentation of bulimia was published in 1979, and it still is not a favored matter. Furthermore, suicide is a common cause of death of bulimia and the crude mortality rate is 3.9% hence why bulimia should be highly brought about (“Health Consequences”). It is caused by several reasons such as, mental disorders, the want to keep from gaining weight, and lack of emotional coping skills (Ekern). It affects mainly young female adults, and even young female teens.

More and more girls are becoming bulimic because of social norm, peer pressure, and being physically and mentally affected. (“Bulimia Nervosa”). Now because of the technology we have along with the social media, many want to “fit in,” causing an even greater increase of bulimia. “Weight loss, shame about behavior, social withdrawal and loss of friends or other relationships, ... dizziness, and depression” are only a few short term effects this illness causes; however, it has extremely severe long-term issues that will eventually break down one’s body (“Bulimia | Signs, Symptoms, Causes, Side Effects & Statistics”). The shocking number of bulimics will continue to increase if nothing changes. People will continue to suffer from this horrendous illness therefore a solution needs to be rendered.

Since the number of people that suffer with bulimia have rapidly increased within this last decade, many have proposed mindfulness meditation to have a quick and stable recovery. Practicing mindfulness meditation for bulimia recoverys can provide tranquility to an individual’s mind by drawing out a relaxation response. Mindfulness meditation works on focusing on what is around an individual. It includes breathing exercises and stillness with the body (Wong). Being relaxed in environments that trigger harmful eating behaviors can help people make more positive decisions to benefit their health (“Meditation Helps Eating Disorder Recovery”). One recovering bulimic defined meditation to heal addiction as “...simply the act of noticing, of finding that clarity that is awareness without interpretation.–seeing something without filtering it through the lens of the story we’re telling ourselves” (“Simple Mindfulness Meditation for Recovery”). Using techniques learned from meditation as a coping mechanism will ultimately allow individuals to take a step back from a stressful situation, put aside their negative thoughts, and respond in a more productive way. Although meditation could benefit a few people, many others say relaxation isn't enough. Some people don’t have the mental capability to let meditation alone help them recover. If one cannot withstand bingeing and purging within their own head already, they will need a lot more than being “relaxed” to help them resist the urge to purge. Many need something that will positively change their entire daily routine which will led them to better habits overall.

In order to provide a more efficient recovery from bulimia in the U.S., those who are bulimic need to seek help with the Emily Program. The Emily Program is an organization that works toward goals of 'Peaceful relationships with food, weight and body image, where everyone with an eating disorder can experience recovery.” (“The Emily Program”). Dr. Miller started the program and named his new practice The Emily Program, after his sister, Emily, who was a recovering bulimic. He wanted to help people all around that had the same disorder since he saw how life affecting it was even for himself (Blackshaw). This program offers treatment with three different steps for recovery. The first step they offer is residential care where “clients receive full-time, 24/7 inpatient support.” They provide a “quiet, safe, and comfortable settings” with the “opportunity for clients to engage in therapy while practicing healthy daily living.” The next step is the Partial Hospitalization/Intensive Day Program where patients spend up to 35 hours per week in this program to work on positive living habits. Lastly is the Intensive Outpatient Program where patients are helped with more structure in their daily life. Patients spend 12 hours per week with this program.

All these steps lead to a stable recovery. Over thousands of people have seeked help with the Emily Program which directly focuses on bulimia and have been successful. One bulimic recoverer says, “In my specific experience, The Emily Program has been life-saving. Actually, more so, it was life ‘giving’ in that through my 5 months of working with The Emily Program, I’ve had glimpses into what life COULD be like. They are helping me learn to ‘live’ my life. At age 42, I’m finally able to admit to myself that yes, this is long overdue, and yes, I do actually deserve it” (“The Emily Program”). This solution is life changing and even saving. It goes the the root of the problem and helps by changing why people binge and purge in the first place. It is very cost effective, especially compared to the cost of medical care they will need in the future if they don’t seek help with their disorder. Depending on the person with the disorder, some could take months and some could take years to recover. Their disorder is a habit and they need help to find personalized ways to quit their habit which the Emily Program provides. Everyone has a different mental health so it will vary person to person.

Some benefits are that one will quit binge eating then purging it up, gain more positive mental health, and change their lifestyle. This will also keep them from doing long term damage to their bodies. The long term benefits are having the prevention of what could have come if one didn’t seek help with their eating disorder such as the medical costs and care due to the body beginning to break down. Also, this solution creates a healthier mental health which otherwise would have lead to various different issues like depression or death (“The Emily Program”). It is very difficult for a person to admit they have a problem and to seek help. However, once they overcome that obstacle the program will exam one’s health and figure out the best fit plan you need to successfully achieve one’s goals. The start of the process won’t be easy but over time it will get easier.