7 Reasons to Resist the Urge to Purge ...

Michelle

Resisting the urge to purge is not an easy task but it’s so important for your recovery. Battling eating disordered thoughts is rough enough without adding in the behaviors. I know how hard it is to resist the urge to purge but I hope these reasons will inspire you to stay strong and push through. You can recover, I know you can.

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1. Sets You up to Fail

It’s important to resist the urge to purge because giving in only sets you up to fail. Sure, it gets rid of the food and provides a short release but it only makes the cycle continue. By purging, you stay stuck in that rhythm of binging and purging, making it more difficult to stay healthy. Urges will be overwhelming and you may feel like you need to give in, but I promise you the feeling will pass. The urge will pass.

2. It Doesn’t Fix Anything

Purging doesn’t fix anything; in fact, it perpetuates the problem. Your eating disorder will tell you that it’s the only way to feel better. But it’s lying. I know it’s challenging but using more positive coping skills will help redirect that emotion and provide release in healthier ways. Purging doesn’t fix your problems but adds another one to the mix as more urges present themselves and you need to cope with them.

Frequently asked questions

Oh, it's such a common feeling! Many of us think that getting rid of things will clear our mind or solve our problems. It's like spring cleaning but for the soul. But sometimes, it's just about having control or a quick fix.

Well, there are lots of ways! You could start by taking a deep breath and asking yourself why you're feeling this way. Try to figure out if it’s about the stuff, or if there’s something deeper going on. Maybe talk to a friend or write down your thoughts. It's all about finding what calms you.

First things first, don't panic. This urge is just a feeling, and it will pass. Distract yourself with a good book, some music, or go for a walk. It’s helpful to shift your focus to something that makes you happy or relaxed.

Well, it depends! If you're purging in a way that affects your mental health or relationships, it can be unhealthy. But sometimes, decluttering can feel good if done mindfully. It's about balance really—don’t be too hard on yourself!

Oh, that's tough but relatable. Sometimes, you might regret getting rid of things that had emotional value or worry about waste. It’s okay to feel guilty, but remember, it’s all a part of learning more about yourself and what truly matters to you.

3. It’s Never Just Once

Don’t lie to yourself. It’s never just once. You may feel like after this “one time,” you will stop and will stay strong. But buying into this illogical belief only prolongs the cycle and keeps you in a distorted world. Rather, fight the urge and after a while, the urges won’t be as frequent or as strong as they once were. It will get better with time. But you need to work to get there.

4. It’s Damaging

Purging damages the body in many ways. People who purge have a higher likelihood of tearing their esophagus or rupturing their stomach. Their throats burn frequently as a result of continuous purging. Not only are you hurting your esophagus but also your entire digestion system as its thrown out of whack. Purging can have serious health complications that will affect you the rest of your life. Your teeth will decay and electrolyte imbalances could result in death. It’s serious.

5. Temporary Release

Sure, you get a temporary feeling of release after you purge, but that feeling won’t last for long. And after a while, it won’t have that same satisfying effect. You’ll find that the feeling almost disappears completely and yet you still need to purge. Your feelings can’t be released through a maladaptive coping skill like purging because you haven’t really worked through them. Your emotions will only get stronger and more challenging to deal with if you turn to purging whenever things go wrong.

6. It’s Unproductive

You know as well as I do that eating disorders have nothing to do with food or weight. Purging is very unproductive. It upholds the foolish logic that you can get rid of any bad emotions you don’t want to feel. But it doesn’t work like that. Wishing away an emotion doesn’t make it disappear. Using positive coping skills helps you get through the emotion so it’s not so overwhelming. Doing art, writing, tearing things up and blaring music are far more productive to getting through your feelings than purging.

7. I Know You Can do It

It’s hard to fight the urge to purge, I know, I’ve been there. But I also know that you can do it. You can beat this disorder! I am rooting for you to stay strong along with the entire AWS staff and everyone who cares about you. You may not know who’s rooting for you all the time, but keep in mind that you deserve so much better than you give yourself credit for. Please stay strong.

Resisting the urge to purge is no easy task. I hope these reasons to stay strong inspire you to push past any urges that come your way. It’s not worth it, I promise you that. What are some other reasons to stay strong? Any messages of support and encouragement for those struggling?

Feedback Junction

Where Thoughts and Opinions Converge

Great to read and to feel you're not alone with this. I've been purge free for a couple of months now, focusing to opt for healthier (notice the -er!) lifestyle and building muscle and strength. I am finding it is building a stronger emotional state of mind too. This is a debilitating illness and more needs to be done to raise awareness to it.

I get the urge to binge and purge when I'm stressed and alone...does Anyone have any tips?

Love this.. This is so important! And for people to become aware that eating disorders are real illnesses

@Dominique Maria Brindley, you can try going for a walk or playing a multi person game like words with friends. call a friend, go shopping, stop by a community church, join a club or sport. make a list of all the good things in your life. you can try looking in the mirror and notice your best features, dress up for the fun of it, start a journal. there is always something you can do to take your mind off purging, wishing the best of luck to you, there is always support here!

I've been recovering from bulimia since for 5 years now. I went from purging four times a day everyday for nearly 3 years to the occasional relapse when I'm a little too stressed (which is rare). It wasn't easy, especially when I felt like I was putting on so much weight (I was still a teenager). I found playing video games and really making an effort with my social life was an important part of my recovery.

Thank you so much this helped a bit x

Couldn't have been more timely. And...It never is just once.

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