bulima - how can I help my sister?

[OrangeKnickers]

she is pretty and clever, but all our family are all short and prone to being podgey. However she's been bulimic since 16 (I think), It gets better then worse again, she's now 22.

I don't know how to help her. Is it best to talk about it or not?

I also don't know why she is.....we had a happy childhood, she's pretty and slim. I just don't understand. I don't think it's about 'being fat' but I don't know.

Any insight would be gratefully received.

It's not always a 'fat' thing, it's more about control. The vast majority of eating disorders are about the need for control because the patient doesn't feel like they have control over the other parts of their life. Foods easy, it never answers back or tells you what to do. Have you tried talking to her?
It is a very difficult illness for both the family and a patient. She needs specialist help with this, via her GP if you can lead her this way.

Like your sister i had Bulimia for years. I turned to Bulimia at aged 14 and it was originally a bid to make me thin. However, as time moved on i wasn't just focusing on being thin, it felt good like i was unleashing all the anger that i had and whenever i was sad it was a cure to make me feel good, i saw it as an achievement because i was in control of my body.

Another factor for turning to Bulimia was that after the third time i no longer had to induce it and my body reacted this way even if i consumed an unwanted pea. It became somewhat addictive, it was something i was used to and that i had always done. When i purged most the time i cried and willed myself to die, so i suppose it showed my lack of confidence.

You need to find a way to build up he confidence. At 17 i had gastrointestinal bleeding and i realised what i was doing to myself. Everybody is different but i turned to drawing to let out all my emotions and gradually the demons in my head stopped being so vicious and allowed me to enjoy life.

I hope your sister gets well and all my sympathies to you and your family.