Source
r/bulimia•
drprettywings

My spouse doesn't get it

:eek3::snoo_sad: Family+Friends :snoo_thoughtful:

I've maybe purged <10 times since being with my partner of 3 years and in recovery. I purged today after maybe 6 months and when I told my spouse, he just said ok I'm sorry just don't eat ice cream anymore. When explaining to him that is not that simple and that it would be nice if he made the effort to learn what bulimia is and how he can help, he gets very defensive. He was not exposed to mental health disorders growing up and there's a huge stigma on it in our community. How do I educate him/ are there any resources I can send him? Any tips would help! Thank you in advance!

Posted Jul 26, 2023, 2:46 AM UTC

44
Tschenney•

He has to be open minded and really interested to learn about it. I guess that’s the most important step. Besides that think about how he can support you. I wish you all the best, I’m really sorry that I can’t give much other tips. I’m not really experienced in situations like that :/

1
authlia•

uhm idk this would spark a couples therapist session for me. bulimia is 1) a pretty life threatening mental illness and 2) why does he not want to teach himself how to help u?? isn't that what being a good partner is about?? improving on urself for the betterment of u, ur s/o, and the relationship.. but anyways i know that's not what ur here for so this is for you and him https://www.rtor.org/2019/12/23/beginners-guide-to-bulimia-nervosa/

1
pianogrin•

Self harm comes in a lot of different forms. Drug abuse, exercise abuse, procrastination until extremely stressed, physical self harm.

We do it because it gives us a sense of control or autonomy in our lives. It makes us a victim of the pain we inflict on ourselves. Or could be used as a form of punishment. It’s a relief to us to some degree.

Binging & purging is another form of that.

I would try to sit down with him and tell him this concept first before trying to be vulnerable with him about this any further.

I know how shitty it is to open up to someone about your trauma and not be respected or sympathised with.

1
GREGORRYYYYY•

ni nob ikc I love oh yeah I wasn’t broken xxbk u summery i oh yeah brogc oh
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n you being o

1
headofawoman•

go home greg

1