Quote From: danavyHow can my husband and I help our bulimic daughter? We locked up the liquor because it was 'disappearing' but food.....that's another story. Instead of sleeping, she will plow through the refrigerator at night and eat enormous amounts of food. Believe me, we NEVER have leftovers anymore. The food costs are sky high. I just lost my job of 7 years in April and am on unemployment while I look for work. She knows the situation - she is home from college for the summer and has found a job (which keeps her occupied). She has a therapist at school and was referred to some groups here but she has not/will not call. We are so worried about her. She's 5'11" and wears a size 5. We have confronted her about eating all of the food and she just apologizes. Sometimes sorry doesn't cut it when the behavior doesn't change. How can we help her help herself?
I know that this is going to sound awful but there is nothing you can do until she is ready to help herself. I am 31 years old and have anerexia/bulimia since I was 16 years old. There are many people, both family and friends, who know about my situation, but they all know there is nothing they can do but support me, as I am not ready. I am not saying that they sit their idle and let me do what they want, but they let me talk to them when i need to and they ring me just to tell me they love me. I am currently in therapy at the moment and the only reason i am there is because i know that i have the love and support of every one in my family. Your daughter's behaviour wont change until she is ready. Let her know that you love her and that you will be there for her. Maybe suggest to her that she buys her own snack food when she is at your house, maybe making her responsible for herself in this way will assist in her asking for help.
good luck
