Tips for Speaking with Your Doctor About Bulimia

Do you think you or a loved one may have bulimia? If so, one of the first steps you need to take is to speak with your doctor. Research shows that the sooner an individual seeks professional help, the greater their chances are of fully recovering [1]. Tragically, however, only one in 10 people with eating disorders ever receive professional treatment [2].

One of the reasons for this is that many people are afraid to speak up about their struggles and unsure of how to communicate with their healthcare provider about their eating disorder (ED). If you or a loved one think you might have an eating disorder, but you’re not sure how to start the conversation with your health provider, here are some tips for speaking with your doctor about bulimia.

5 Tips for Speaking with Your Doctor About Bulimia

Write it Down

If you’re nervous or hesitant to speak with your doctor about bulimia, it may be helpful to write down your thoughts, feelings, questions, and concerns before the visit. You may write down a list of points you want to cover, or you could even express yourself in the form of a letter that you give to your doctor. Writing out what you want to say ahead of time can help you feel more prepared and at ease during the visit and will help ensure you discuss everything that’s on your mind.

Here are some things you may want to write down before heading to your visit:

• Your behaviors, feelings, and thoughts about food and eating.
• When you think your challenges with food started.
• How your eating issues have impacted your everyday life.
• Any general or bulimia-specific physical symptoms/concerns you have experienced.

Be Honest

One of the most important things you can do when speaking with your doctor about bulimia is to be open and honest. While it may feel difficult to open up about your eating disorder, remember that your doctor is here to help you, and the only way they can do so is if you let them know what’s really going on. So, speak openly about your concerns and symptoms and answer any questions he/she asks as honestly as you can.

Below is a list of things you need to share openly with your doctor. Remember that this information is confidential between you and your doctor and that by giving honest answers, you are helping them better understand what’s going on in your body so you can get the help and treatment you need to recover.

Tell your doctor:

• If (and how often) you eat a large amount of food in a short period of time.
• If you often eat when you’re not hungry.
• If (and how often) you eat until you are uncomfortably full.
• If (and how often) you engage in a compensatory behavior (use of laxatives, vomiting, exercise, etc.).
• If you feel out of control around food.
• If you often feel upset and guilty after eating.
• If your eating habits have affected your work performance or social life/relationships.

Bring a Support Person

If the thought of visiting your doctor and speaking to her/him about bulimia is still intimidating, consider bringing a trusted friend or family member along for extra support. Just make sure you feel comfortable and at ease with this person and, if possible, fill them in on why you’re visiting the doctor and what you hope to accomplish during the visit. That way, they can be prepared and ready to provide you with the support and encouragement you need.

Ask Questions

When speaking with your doctor about bulimia, keep in mind that they are there to help you. If you have questions or concerns, it’s their job to answer them. So don’t be afraid to speak up and voice any and all questions you may have.

If you’re not sure which questions you should be asking your doctor, here is a list to get you started:

• Have you helped other people with bulimia? If not, can you refer me to a doctor who has experience with bulimia?
• Can you refer me to an eating disorder treatment program or ED specialist in the area?
• Can you refer me to an ED dietitian?
• Where can I find a bulimia or eating disorder support group?

Find the Right Doctor

Finally, if you spoke with your doctor about bulimia but left the visit feeling unsupported and unheard, do not be afraid to seek out another doctor. Unfortunately, not all doctors are equipped to handle eating disorders.

If your doctor was not able to answer your questions, brushed off your concerns, rushed through your visit, or could not refer you to treatment options in your area, you may need to seek out another healthcare provider. The most important thing is for you to find a doctor that supports and guides you on your journey to recovery.

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References:

[1] Seeking Professional Help. National Eating Disorders Collaboration. https://nedc.com.au/seeking-professional-help.
[2] Facts About Eating Disorders: What The Research Shows. Eating Disorders Coalition. http://eatingdisorderscoalition.org.s208556.gridserver.com/couch/uploads/file/Eating%20Disorders%20Fact%20Sheet.pdf.

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About the Author:

Sarah Musick is a freelance writer who specializes in eating disorder awareness and education. After battling with a 4-years long eating disorder, she made it her mission to help others find hope and healing in recovery.

Her work has been featured on numerous eating disorder blogs and websites. When she’s not writing, Sarah is off traveling the world with her husband.

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The opinions and views of our guest contributors are shared to provide a broad perspective on eating disorders. These are not necessarily the views of Eating Disorder Hope, but an effort to offer a discussion of various issues by different concerned individuals.

We at Eating Disorder Hope understand that eating disorders result from a combination of environmental and genetic factors. If you or a loved one are suffering from an eating disorder, please know that there is hope for you, and seek immediate professional help.

Published January 30, 2021, on EatingDisorderHope.com
Reviewed & Approved on January 30, 2021, by Jacquelyn Ekern MS, LPC