My Strength

Eating disorders often disguise themselves as a mastery of self-control and strength. Bulimia, therefore, can manifest for some boys and men. It can be a need to prove some definition of manliness, cope with unaddressed trauma or abuse or deal with anxiety. Still, however, the predominant feelings are those of weakness and failure.

See yourself here? You’re not alone.

Bulimia Nervosa in Males

Bulimia nervosa is a severe, life-threatening disorder characterized by recurrent episodes of binge eating followed by self-induced vomiting or other purging methods (e.g., laxatives, diuretics, excessive exercise, fasting) to prevent weight gain. An individual struggling with bulimia is intensely afraid of gaining weight and exhibits persistent dissatisfaction with his body and appearance, as well as a significant distortion in the perception of the size or shape of his body.

Behavioral Characteristics:

·         Recurrent episodes of binge eating: eating an amount of food that is definitely larger than most people would eat during a similar period of time and under similar circumstances

·         A sense of lack of control over eating during binge episodes

·         Recurrent purging or compensatory behavior to prevent weight gain: secretive self-induced vomiting, misuse of laxatives, diuretics, or fasting, compulsive exercise (possibly including excessive running, body building, or weight lifting)

·         Hoarding of food, hiding food and eating in secret

·         Frequently weighing self

·         Preoccupation with food

·         Focus on certain body parts; e.g., buttocks, thighs, stomach

·         Disgust with body size or shape

·         Distortion of body size; i.e., feels fat even though he may be thin

Emotional and Mental Characteristics:

·         Intense fear of becoming fat or gaining weight

·         Performance and appearance oriented

·         Works hard to please others

·         Depression

·         Social isolation

·         Possible conflict over gender identity or sexual orientation

·         Strong need to be in control

·         Difficulty expressing feelings

·         Feelings of worthlessness -- uses weight, appearance, and achievement as measures of worth

·         Rigid, inflexible “all or nothing” thinking

Physical Characteristics:

·         Weight fluctuations

·         Loss of dental enamel due to self-induced vomiting

·         Edema (fluid retention or bloating)

·         Constipation

·         Swollen salivary glands

·         Cardiac arrhythmia due to electrolyte imbalances

·         Esophageal tears, gastric rupture

·         Lack of energy, fatigue

http://www.nationaleatingdisorders.org/males-and-eating-disorders

This is not who you are; this is not who God believe you to be. He sees you as both incredible- and someone who needs His help.

 “Fear not, for I am with you; be not dismayed, for I am your God; I will strengthen you, I will help you, I will uphold you with my righteous right hand.”

Isaiah 41:10 

One doesn’t cancel the other. It’s not about your own strength; it’s about His, in you.

“The LORD is my strength and my song, and he has become my salvation; this is my God, and I will praise him, my father’s God, and I will exalt him.”

Exodus 15:2 

And He is strengthening you, as you take that next step in life. That’s includes recovery.

Take that next step of strength!

“Finally, be strong in the Lord and in the strength of his might.”

Ephesians 6:10

Copyright © 2014 by Sheryle Cruse

NEDA: 

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