SCARED TO TELL MUM I’M BULIMIC

Dear Coleen

I’m worried that I’m bulimic and I don’t know what to do about it. It started with me trying to force myself to throw up after eating some really bad food that gave me a stomach ache. Then it turned into an occasional thing and, the next thing I knew, I was doing it every day.

I’m really worried about my health, but I’m also scared about my parents’ reaction. My mum had a friend who was anorexic/ bulimic and when I asked her about it she became very upset and angry.

I’m just really nervous that I may have to go into an institution and be away from my family.

How do I start a conversation with my parents about it and get some help while still managing to stay at home?

Coleen says

To have the conversation, you have to stay calm. I think your mum probably reacted the way she did out of fear. It’s hard to see a friend going through that and feeling powerless to help.

The way to approach it is to say you’ve acknowledged you have a problem and want help with it.

If you feel it would be easier to write down how you’re feeling, then leave a letter for your parents to read. Sometimes when we speak face to face, it’s nerve-racking and we forget things.

Don’t worry – you won’t be taken off to an institution. But there is lots of help and information out there. Visit b-eat.co.uk, which is a charity that supports anyone affected by eating disorders. Good luck.