For the past 5 months I have been severely depressed-which in turn has made me doubt myself greatly. I've been so depressed to where I can't eat or sleep, if I do eat, it makes me want to vomit and I do. When I do, I feel better because I know I'm not going to gain weight from what I had just put into my body.
I know it's not right, but I have been like that ever since I was twelve years old off and on-more on than off.
Can someone give me the side effects because nothing bad has ever really happened to me and it's been quite some time now. I do get paranoid and scared sometimes because I always hear of stories, but nothing happens to me. I usually induce vomiting anywhere from 3-6 times daily. Don't attack me-just give me some facts, case scenarios-something.

Acid from the stomach can do severe damage to your esophagus and teeth, cavities, ulcers, colon problems...

This isn't OK for your health, mentally or physically.

Something like 5% of women suffer from bulimia. A prime method of treatment is to use an antidepressant.

Our daughter was on a mild antidepressant for about 6 months. She's only 19. While her mother and I HATED the idea, she was starting to get physically ill from the problems, this after some work with a therapist.

Well it helped a lot. Now she doesn't take them, even though she has been through some really bad experiences.

So you need to see someone about this. There are medical professionals who can help you, and support groups that can turn this around. And most of all, you can do it.

Please see someone about this. Your mental and physical health are suffering, and you deserve to live better than this.

A thorough physical exam by your doctor is in order,good luck I hope he can give you answers!:cool:

Let me start by saying I applaud you for having the courage to reach out and ask questions- I know when you are depressed it is hard to want to do anything. Eating disorders like bulimia can be a scary, time-consuming, and addictive. Most people don't realise how much purging takes over their every thought until it's too late. I had a best friend with a bulimia, she hid it very well for over 8 months, I didn't really notice her weight lose because I always thought she looked fit. One day she passed out and I could hardly wake her because she was so dehydrated- that's when I knew something serious was going on. It's so scary to think that in our lifetime over 50,000 people will die as a result of an eating disorder. I will list the serious side effects of purging, but first I would like to adress some of the other things you talked about. I can totally identify with the feelings of doubting yourself, I double-guess and triple-guess every decision I make. I have absolutely zero self esteem. I think this could be the root of what causing you too feel like you need to empty your stomach. Eating disorders are not soley about food or weight- usually it is a way to regain control of some part of your life. Usually this happens when you start feeling like everything in your life is out of control. Depression can make you feel so overwhelmed and worthless. I hope you know that it's not your fault you feel this way. Most everyone experiences minor amounts of depression at one time or another. If you are like me, in the beginning you feel like you should be able to stop feeling that way. The problem is, when these feelings go on for too long, the chemicals in our brain change to where we require medication to get us back on track. It is not weakness to seek therapy for depression, you can't always help the way you feel. I think, if you begin by addressing the depression and self worth issues it will be easier to recover from an eating disorder. If you have been purging since you were twelve, you may have become dependent on the feelings you get when you purge, and you probably need a program to help you stop. Here are some of the serious health risks of continuing to induce vomiting. Dehydration to the point of electrolyte imbalance, this can cause your potassium and sodium levels to drop causing irregular heartbeat, fainting, and even heart failure. Irritation and swelling of the esophagus to the point, if exposed to too much stomach acid, can rupture. Tooth decay and staining caused from being eaten away be stomach acids. Irregularity of bowel movements, including constipation caused by using too many laxatives. Your stomach can even rupture if you are in the habit of binge eating. Here are some links that you might find helpful: http://www.helpguide.org/mental/bulimia_signs_symptoms_causes_treatment.htm#online
http://www.brown.edu/Student_Services/Health_Services/Health_Education/nutrition/ec_ued.htm
http://www.pbs.org/wgbh/nova/thin/program.html
I hope you find this information helpful. Please know that you can email me anytime you need someone to talk too. Take care.

Well done for having the courage to admit to yourself and to all of us that you have a problem. Bulimia is a very serious illness and can lead to you have having so many problems with your boday etc and some people who go untreated can die.

I urge you to get to the docs as quickly as possible and seek his professional guidance and help to support you in getting fit and well again!

Hi, Depressed,
You have received some very good answers so far.
I would just like to add that depression and stress can cause many different symptoms. My daughter is married, and we have a grandson. I am 64 yrs old, been married for 29 yrs now to a wonderful woman. My daughter is on Lexapro, 10 mg. and it really helps her. It is an anti-depressant. Both she and her husband work full-time jobs, and take care of their son; with ball games, Karate lessons,. the whole 9 yards.
As another said, you have taken the 1st. Step in changing your life; that is, posting a question about it, and knowing there is a problem. Admitting there is a problem is the 1st step is finding a solution.
I am not a Doctor. I do very highly suggest you go see a Doctor. Maybe start with seeing your "family" doctor, possibly getting a referral to another, if he/she doesn't feel comfortable with prescribing something to help you relax and start getting out of Depression.
YOU CAN DO IT!! It will take a Professional to help you. I do wish you the best, good luck, and hang in there. Things will get better, if you really want it to. See a Doctor.

Hi, Depressed,
You have received some very good answers so far.
I would just like to add that depression and stress can cause many different symptoms. My daughter is married, and we have a grandson. I am 64 yrs old, been married for 29 yrs now to a wonderful woman. My daughter is on Lexapro, 10 mg., and it really helps her. It is an anti-depressant. Both she and her husband work full-time jobs, and take care of their son; with ball games, Karate lessons,.....the whole 9 yards.
As another said, you have taken the 1st. step in changing your life; that is, posting a question about it, and knowing there is a problem. Admitting there is a problem is the 1st step is finding a solution.
I am not a Doctor. I do very highly suggest you go see a Doctor. Maybe start out with seeing your "family" doctor, possibly getting a referral to another, if he/she doesn't feel comfortable with prescribing something to help you relax and start getting out of Depression.
YOU CAN DO IT!!! It will take a Professional to help you. I do wish you the best, good luck, and hang in there. Things will get better, if you really want it to. See a Doctor.
Thanks for the post. FYI-I've taken Lexapro a few years ago... makes my stomach hurt. All it does is make me tired and nautious-doesn't really cure my depression.
I've been up and down like this for years. Some days are better than others. I am sure I will be fine. I appreciate the support though. I just really wanted to know if there were others out there like me-sometimes I think I am the only crazy person in the world. :o

I would say it is excellent that you understand you are doing something that could harm you and you are reaching out to get advice. Why would you think anybody would judge you? Anyway, my advice is to see a doctor. Get a complete physical and also get counselling because throwing up several times a day is not a good thing but you already know that. Best of luck to you.

Joe

Over that past couple of years I have been exposed to people suffering from depression. It really stumped me at first (since I had never known anyone with clear signs of it), but over the last while I have come to understand more about depression than I ever wanted to. So...

First - For some people it is a matter of biology. Some people just have chemical imbalances in their brain that cause them to suffer from depression. I wear glasses to corect my vision. Some people need drugs to correct their brain chemistry.

Second - Balances of drugs take a long time to work out, and what works today may stop working a few months from now. Keep your doctor informed. It takes time to sort out different drugs and different strengths that work for you.

Third - Be willing to accept help and seek support for yourself - as others mentioned. Ask your doctor, call Family Services, call a Women's Services group. Support is out there and it will help you.


My heart goes out to you. :)

Over that past couple of years I have been exposed to people sufferring from depression. It really stumped me at first (since I had never known anyone with clear signs of it), but over the last while I have come to understand more about depression than I ever wanted to. So....

First - For some people it is a matter of biology. Some people just have chemical imbalances in their brain that cause them to suffer from depression. I wear glasses to corect my vision. Some people need drugs to correct their brain chemistry.

Second - Balances of drugs take a long time to work out, and what works today may stop working a few months from now. Keep your doctor informed. It takes time to sort out different drugs and different strengths that work for you.

Third - Be willing to accept help and seek support for yourself - as others mentioned. Ask your doctor, call Family Services, call a Women's Services group. Support is out there and it will help you.


My heart goes out to you. :)

As a suffere of depression I can say thankfully I have learnt to livew with it and cope very well in drastic situations mainly by talking. Drugs did nothing for me and I would not recommend drugs as the be all and end all to treatments of depression. There are so many different types of depression which and in this case you are leading yourself down a path of Bulimia. When I was severely depressed I stopped eating and ended up being sick twice, that was enough to make me realise without help I would have gone down the path of anorexia. I lost a lot of weight and looked so thin, but came through that too - without drugs.

Counseling is sometimes more effective!

Either way, the doc will be able to advise you what course of action is best and with support from family, friends and us at AMHD you will get through it.

It won't happen over night and you will have to battle very hard, but if it means you become a happy, vibrant, fit & health individual once again - its well worth it! Trust me, I am proof ;)

You really need counselling. Even if you get antidepressant drugs, any times they work better and positive results will be achieved faster, when there's counselling as well. I know money might be a problem, but there must be some counselling services you might get without having to pay. Try and find out! As for drugs, your doc. Should refer you to a psychiatrist who will help you find the right one for you. You must find a therapist to help you.
TAke care,
Millie

For the past 5 months I have been severely depressed-which in turn has made me doubt myself greatly. I've been so depressed to where I can't eat or sleep, if I do eat, it makes me want to vomit and I do. When I do, I feel better because I know I'm not going to gain weight from what I had just put into my body.
I know it's not right, but I have been like that ever since I was twelve years old off and on-more on than off.

Eating disorders such as anorexia and bulimia are very closely related to depression. This is because depression is really a nutritional disorder. Most people make the mistake in believing that depression is a "mental" disorder and the concept of "mental" naturally leads to the concept that it is a disorder of the mind.

It can be shown that depression is mostly a physical disease by the fact that most depressed people have hypoglycemia (http://www.hypoglycemia.asn.au/articles/what_is_hypo.html). This can be tested with a four hour Medical Test for Hypoglycemia (http://www.hypoglycemia.asn.au/articles/testing_hypoglycemia.html). It can also be tested with a paper and pencil test called the Nutrition Behavior Inventory Test (NBI) (http://www.hypoglycemia.asn.au/articles/nutrition-behavior_inventory.html), although this test would not be as accurate as the medical test.

The question is why would hypoglycemia cause depression and/or an eating disorder?

The reason is that hypoglycemia is a sign of Insulin Resistance (http://www.google.com/search?complete=1&hl=en&ie=ISO-8859-1&q=define%3A+insulin+resistance&btnG=Google+Search), meaning that the body has a problem of converting the sugars in food into Biological Energy called (ATP) (http://www.google.com/search?complete=1&hl=en&lr=&ie=ISO-8859-1&q=define%3A+adenosine+triphosphate&btnG=Search). This energy is required for the body to manufacture the feel good neurotransmitters (http://www.google.com/search?complete=1&hl=en&ie=ISO-8859-1&q=define%3A+neurotransmitter&btnG=Google+Search) such as serotonin (http://www.google.com/search?complete=1&hl=en&ie=ISO-8859-1&q=define%3A+serotonin&btnG=Google+Search).

Because the sugars in food are not properly converted to biological energy is is accumulated and saved in the body as fat cells. Hence depression is closely associated with putting on weight.

This may prompt some young girls - conscious of their appearances - to "DIET", where dieting means "starving the body of nutrients" in the false belief that absence of food will will cause weight loss. It will of course, but starving the body of food will only aggravate the serotonin deficiency and depression and increase weight gain when you resume eating.

Thus the anorectic or bulimic needs to treat the root cause of depression of which obesity is simply a side effects of depression.

Biological depression also called endogenous (http://www.google.com/search?complete=1&hl=en&ie=ISO-8859-1&q=define%3A+endogenous+depression&btnG=Google+Search) depression can be treated by supplying the body with appropriate amounts of biological energy. This energy is derived mainly from the sugar we eat. The problem with hypoglycemic people is that they are not absorbing and metabolizing these sugars normally. Their sugar metabolism may have been damaged by a life-long consumption of refined carbohydrates such as table sugar.

Thus the first step for depressed people is to adopt the Hypoglycemic Diet (http://www.hypoglycemia.asn.au/articles/hypoglycemic_diet.html) and adjust this diet to the individual needs of the person. This is best done under the supervision of a Clinical Nutritionist. This is because apart from a sugar allergy, patients are more than likely to be allergic to other food items and may have food sensitivities. Also other medical condition, usually associated with digestion (coeliac disease, ulcerative colitis, Crohn's Disease etc etc) also need to be eliminated. This should be done under medical supervision.

Psychotherapy (http://www.hypoglycemia.asn.au/i-psychotherapy.html) can only be useful after treating the biological aspects of depression.

Please discuss with your CAM doctor (http://www.hypoglycemia.asn.au/indexmain.html#A%20complementary%20doctor) or Clinical Nutritionist (http://www.google.com/search?complete=1&hl=en&lr=&ie=ISO-8859-1&q=+define%3A+Clinical+Nutrition&btnG=Search).