Bulimia: A Guide to Recovery

by Lindsey Hall, Leigh Cohn M.A.T.

Overview

This intimate self-help guidebook offers a complete understanding of bulimia and a plan for recovery. It includes a two-week program to stop bingeing, ideas for things to do instead of bingeing, a guide for support groups, specific advice for loved ones, and "Eat Without Fear," Lindsey Hall's story of her self-cure, which has inspired thousands of other bulimics. This 25th anniversary edition updates all information from previous editions, with additional material on assessment, new diagnostic categories, men and bulimia, evidence-based treatment, family-assisted recovery, the influence of media (including the Internet), the essentials of "long-term recovery," and much more. Drawing on its established track record of success, Bulimia: A Guide to Recovery includes input from 400 recovered bulimics and is packed with valuable tips for therapists, educators, bulimics, and their loved ones.

Product Details

ISBN-13:	9780936077512
Publisher:	TURNER PUB CO
Publication date:	11/01/2010
Edition description:	25th Anniversary Edition
Pages:	288
Sales rank:	709,730
Product dimensions:	8.70(w) x 11.70(h) x 0.64(d)
Age Range:	16 Years

Read an Excerpt

For nine years, I binged and vomited up to five times daily. Although therewere a few days without a binge, the thoughts were always there, even in my dreams. It was painful and frightening. No one knew about my bulimia, because I kept it safely hidden behind a facade of competence, happiness, and average body weight. When my health and marriage began to fail, however, a series of coincidences brought me face to face with recovery, and I soon became devoted to freeing myself from my obsession with food.

I worked hard and willingly, and underwent an amazing transformation. As the bulimic thoughts and behavior subsided, I was able to see how it had served me all those years. It was an effective tool for emotional, physical, and spiritual survival when I knew no other. It had been a friend, a lover, a hiding place, a voice, a quest for meaning and love. It was a way to cope with growing up in a frightening and uncertain world. But what had started as an innocent diet became a monster which threatened to devour my entire life.

Table of Contents

Introduction xvii

Part 1 Understanding Bulimia

Chapter 1 Questions Most Often Asked about Bulimia

What is bulimia? 25

How many people have bulimia? 27

How is bulimia related to other eating disorders? 28

Why do people become bulimic? 32

Why are bulimics mainly women? 38

Do men have bulimia? 41

How in bulimia related to sexual trauma? 43

How does bulimia affect my relationships? 46

What is a typical binge? 48

What are the medical dangers? 50

What thoughts and feelings are associated with bulimia? 53

What other behaviors do bulimics share? 56

How do I know if I have bulimia? 57

How long does it take to get better? 58

Can medication help in recovery? 60

How do I learn to eat normally? 62

If I quit purging, will I gain weight? 64

How do I choose a therapist? 65

What can I do to help someone who has bulimia? 68

What can be done to prevent eating disorders? 69

Chapter 2 Eat Without Fear: A True Story of Recovery from Bulimia

Beginning 74

Living with a Habit 81

Marriage with a Secret life 83

Shift in Focus 86

Turning Point 90

Ending the Behavior 92

Lasting Recovery 97

Part 1 Overcoming Bulimia

Chapter 3 Getting Started

Deciding to Stop 103

Things to do Instead of Bingeing 106

Setting Reasonable Goals 109

Getting Support 111

Family Support 116

Encouragement: Why Get Better? 122

Chapter 4 Professional Treatment

Individual Therapy 126

Types of Therapy 129

Inpatient and Outpatient Care 133

Medical and Dental Exams 135

Chapter 5 Tools for Recovery: What Has Worked for Many

1 Looking Beyond the Symptoms 138

2 Trusting the Process 139

3 Journal Writing 141

4 Taking Time for Relaxation and Meditation 145

5 Practicing Mindfulness 148

6 Being Authentic 150

7 Expressing Yourself 153

8 Thinking Positively 156

9 Visualization 161

10 Feeling Your Feelings 163

11 Improving Body Image 165

12 Cultivating Relationships 175

13 Finding Your Purpose 180

14 Pursuing Spirituality 183

15 Handling Setbacks and Preventing Relapse 186

Chapter 6 Healthy Weight, Eating, and Exercise

Healthy Weight 189

Healthy Eating 195

Healthy Exercise 209

Chapter 7 Advice for Loved Ones

General Suggestions 214

Food and Eating 216

Care for the Caregiver 218

Specifically for Parents 219

Specifically for Spouses and Life Partners 220

Chapter 8 A Two-Week Program to Stop Bingeing 223

Resources 261

Bibliography 267

Index 271

Editorial Reviews

This is an excellent book. It offers accurate information, wise counsel and genuine hope for everyone who suffers with bulimia...also valuable reading for the mental health professional.

William Davis