The recent statement made by actress Sana Saeed regarding her living with bulimia has brought into focus some very vital topics, such as eating disorders and mental health issues. The openness of the actress regarding her struggle with bulimia has helped highlight a condition that often goes unnoticed since people suffering from this disorder appear to be healthy physically. Commenting on the ongoing discussion regarding bulimia, Dr Hamza Hussain, psychiatrist and head of mental health at Ruby Hall Clinic, Pune, says that one must not jump to any conclusions regarding the health of someone just because they have spoken about it publicly. The doctor also believe that discussions like this can help raise awareness about eating disorders. This is because these health problems are quite often not taken seriously and are ignored by people. Let us know what experts say about bulimia, its symptoms, risks and why getting help for it is so important.
Why do doctors say we must show empathy, not make assumptions?
While talking about the ongoing discussion regarding eating disorders, Dr Hamza Hussain says that it is wrong to make assumptions regarding anyone’s health just because they have talked about it publicly. No matter how complicated each case might be, it is important to understand that eating disorders are serious mental health problems and not a way of living of someone.
What is bulimia nervosa?
As per the doctor, bulimia nervosa is an eating disorder characterised by repetitive consumption of excessive amounts of food within a short period of time and then using the behaviour to avoid gaining extra weight. The behaviour could be self-induced vomiting, excessive exercising, prolonged fasting and the abuse of laxatives. Even though bulimia involves eating problems, experts state that the disease is basically a mental health problem, which involves biological, emotional, psychological, and social factors.
It is not about vanity and lack of willpower
One of the most common myths about bulimia is that it is caused by vanity and lack of self-control. Explaining this myth, Dr Hamza Hussain says that this is not true. Bulimia is a psychiatric condition which could affect people from all walks of life, regardless of their age, gender and body size. People who suffer from the disease experience emotional distress, guilt, anxiety, and an unhealthy attitude towards food, which cannot be easily conquered by willpower alone.
The warning signs are easy to miss
The thing about bulimia is that it often remains unnoticed because people maintain a healthy weight. Some of the common warning signs of the condition include frequent visits to the restroom right after meals, obsession with body shape or weight, cycles of strict dieting followed by overeating, hiding eating behaviours, and experiencing extreme emotional distress while eating.
Unchecked bulimia could affect your body and mind
In case bulimia is left untreated, it can cause some serious physical complications. The repetitive purging causes dehydration, electrolyte imbalance, digestive issues, throat irritation, and gradually wears off tooth enamel due to the exposure to acids from the stomach. In addition to the physical consequences mentioned above, this disorder can significantly affect one’s emotional well-being, causing anxiety, depression, social isolation, and reduced quality of life.
Treatment could help you recover
The mental health professionals say that bulimia is a treatable condition, and recovery from it usually includes psychological treatment, nutritional counselling, medical monitoring, and even family or social support in some cases. Dr Hamza Hussain says that it is very important to identify the warning signs of the disease and get professional help as soon as possible. Just like with other mental diseases, the results of treatment are better if it is done before the development of complications.
How to fight the stigma surrounding eating disorders?
One of the things that the doctor considers to be the greatest barrier to treatment is the stigma associated with eating disorders. Many people refuse to ask for help because they are afraid of misunderstanding and judgment. Therefore, Dr Hamza Hussain encourages discussing the issue with compassion, not criticism. It is important to remind the public that eating disorders are medical conditions and not personal failures.
