Bulimia and anorexia are serious eating disorders that affect both physical and mental health. While they may seem similar, each has unique patterns, causes, and impacts. This article breaks down how to recognize these disorders, clears up common misconceptions, and outlines steps toward recovery.

Lucy looked in the mirror one day and concluded she was too fat. In an effort to diet, she avoided meat pies, her favorite treat But one day, the smell of pies across the street was irresistible; she ate 10 in one sitting. She felt guilty and ran a few laps. That wasn't enough, so she did some jumping jacks and didn't stop till she was certain she'd burned it all off. 

Poor Lucy. She'd just begun a binge-purging cycle.

Bulimia nervosa is an eating disorder that follows a cycle of eating a large amount of food in one sitting (binging) and then engaging in compensatory behaviours such as purging, vomiting, fasting, and rigorous exercise. 

Sophie examined herself in the mirror and a wave of disappointment washed over her. James was right: she wasn't pretty enough. She had to get thinner and have a slimmer waist. She began starving herself, sometimes drinking only a little oatmeal each day. 

The voice in her head kept screaming, "Food is poison!" So she did everything to avoid eating, and every time she checked the scale, she reiterated, "I need to get thinner". Even at 30kg, with bones so conspicuous, she was never thin enough. 

Anorexia nervosa is also an eating disorder and people with this disorder are obsessed with weight loss and getting thinner, so they avoid eating. Sadly, they are never satisfied and continue starving themselves. 

Bulimia and anorexia may seem alike but they have differences that can help distinguish them. 

Although bulimia and anorexia are similar, as both are eating disorders and patients are often plagued with negative body image, they have distinctive features and should not be confused for each other. There are two major distinctions:

Body Weight: People with bulimia usually have a normal body weight, as they are able to retain some nutrients despite the purging measures. With anorexia, patients are typically underweight, but this isn't always the case, as those with atypical anorexia can have a normal body weight.

Eating Habits: Bulimia is a binge-purging cycle while anorexia is characterised by self-starvation. 

It is noteworthy that bulimia and anorexia don't occur without a trigger. 

large_annie-spratt-DDyMG1LZaHo-unsplas.jpg

medium_annie-spratt-DDyMG1LZaHo-unsplas.jpg

small_annie-spratt-DDyMG1LZaHo-unsplas.jpg

thumbnail_annie-spratt-DDyMG1LZaHo-unsplas.jpg

Eating Disorder

Certain misconceptions are common among non-patients as well as patients:

Many people think purging keeps you thin, but the truth is the body still retains some nutrients, which can even lead to weight gain.

You might assume body weight reveals bulimia or anorexia, yet it can be misleading, as individuals with atypical forms may appear to have a normal weight.

Some believe strict dieting helps with weight loss, but in reality it often triggers extreme hunger that leads to binge-eating episodes in bulimia.

Some think willpower alone is enough for recovery, but lasting improvement requires proper treatment and support.

Others assume treatment won’t work, yet following professional guidance has been proven to help patients recover.

There are various factors that can contribute to the development of these disorders. They include:

Mental Health: Psychological disorders like 

 can cause the development of bulimia and anorexia. Traumatic experiences (such as mistreatment or bullying) also necessitate the need for control and patients try to control their eating habits. For people with bulimia, purging provides a sense of control while self-starvation assures anorexia patients of control. 

Genetics: Those with a family history of eating disorders are most likely to develop eating disorders, including bulimia and anorexia. 

Social Pressure: There is an increase in diet culture and an intense obsession with thinness. This can create a fear of missing out or gaining weight and eventually lead to eating disorders.

Brain Differences: Scientists have discovered that people with eating disorders have different brain structures and functions, affecting dopamine and serotonin levels. This influences mood, appetite, and impulse control. 

If left untreated, bulimia and anorexia can have a serious impact on patients' physical and mental health. 

Symptoms and signs may vary in patients. Some signs and symptoms that may indicate bulimia or anorexia are:

These signs and symptoms are not restricted to bulimia and anorexia alone and may result in certain misconceptions. Many harmful myths surround these eating disorders. 

Physical and Mental Effects of Bulimia and Anorexia

Bulimia and anorexia can affect one's psychology and result in serious health complications:

Depression, anxiety and extreme mood swings

The journey to recovery starts with honest self-reflection, and if your relationship with food causes stress or interferes with daily life, it’s important to talk to someone you trust. Don’t jump to conclusions and instead seek help from health professionals who can provide a proper diagnosis to determine whether you have bulimia or anorexia.

Treatment may include therapy, medication, or structured programs such as outpatient or partial hospitalization, and because these conditions affect both mental and physical health, a combined approach is often necessary. Recovery is possible, but it takes time, and relapses may occur; these are not a reflection of your worth but a normal part of the healing process.

The mirror can be deceiving, and you don’t have to believe every reflection it shows you. If you or someone close to you is experiencing symptoms of bulimia or anorexia, it’s important to seek help without delay. Recovery can be challenging, but you don’t have to face it alone, and your mental wellbeing is just as important as your physical health. Professional guidance can make all the difference, and 

starting with a consultation or booking your first session

RELATED ARTICLE: For more insights into eating disorders, explore our article on 

How to Recognize and Manage Binge Eating Disorder

Bulimia and anorexia show different patterns and symptoms, and addressing them early is crucial for recovery.

What is the Difference Between Bulimia and Anorexia?

Imagine opening your phone to hundreds of cruel comments. This is the reality for many victims of cyberbullying Did you know that cyberbullying is strongly linked to suicidal thoughts and behaviours? 

Its effect on mental health is daunting but early awareness and action can help reduce the damage. While the anonymity of the Internet makes it harder to curb, understanding the forms of cyberbullying, its effect and how to respond can protect you and those you care about. 

Grace, a 15-year-old student, started noticing that her classmates would constantly send her mean messages online, comment negatively on her posts, or exclude her from group chats. At first, she tried to ignore it, but the messages kept coming, and she began feeling anxious every time she picked up her phone. Slowly, she stopped joining online discussions, skipped hanging out with friends, and even dreaded going to school. The constant negativity made her feel isolated and overwhelmed, like there was no safe place for her.

Before the Internet, we only had to worry about in-person bullying. Now, with the advancement of technology, cyberbullying has become prevalent. It affects the victims emotionally, socially, physically, and mentally.   

Cyberbullying is the use of technology (especially the Internet) to harass, threaten, embarrass, or cause harm to another. It occurs on digital platforms such as social media platforms, online gaming platforms, emails, chat forums, and blogging sites. 

Many try to blur the line between cyberbullying and jokes but the motivation differentiates them. Jokes are light-hearted while cyberbullying often intimidates targets. Cyberbullying can occur in both explicit and subtle ways:

Trolling: This is the deliberate act of posting insincere statements to incite arguments or manipulate perception. A troll uses misleading information to promote a cause which is usually making the target afraid for their safety. 

Fraping: Fraping is a compound of the words "Facebook" and "raping" but it isn't limited to Facebook anymore. This occurs when a bully hacks or gains access to a victim's social media account and posts humiliating or harmful content. 

Social Exclusion: The refusal to accept an individual as a member of an online social group. These social groups are often peer-based. The target is either removed from the group or not added at all. 

Stalking: This refers to the use of technology to make a victim concerned about their safety. It includes acts such as making threats online, monitoring a victim's movement and actions, and using sensitive information to demand sexual favours. 

Masking: This occurs when a fake online profile is created to impersonate an individual. This fake profile features humiliating or harmful content. 

Anonymous Denigration: This is typically done in online groups or chat forums where anonymous links allow people to air their cruel opinions about others. This is more harmful because the identities of the bullies are protected. 

Trickery: The bully befriends their target to extract sensitive information and uses this to humiliate them. 

Whether subtle or explicit, the effect of cyberbullying on mental health cannot be overlooked. 

Stressed person sitting at a desk with head in hands, laptop in front, overwhelmed

large_cyberbullying and mental health

medium_cyberbullying and mental health

small_cyberbullying and mental health

thumbnail_cyberbullying and mental health

cyberbullying and mental health

Effects Of Cyberbullying On Mental Health 

Cyberbullying is not harmless fun. Its effects are damaging and can linger for years, leaving victims struggling with:

Anxiety: Persistent bullying creates intense fear in victims. They are easily agitated as they worry about their safety and reputation. This may escalate into anxiety disorders. 

Self-Harm: Victims of cyberbullying may adopt self-harm as a coping mechanism for distress. This includes behaviours such as burning, cutting, or hitting oneself with the intention of causing pain. These injuries are not often intended to end one's life but can escalate to suicide, if left unaddressed. Read more on

Depression: Victims of cyberbullying would naturally experience sadness but it becomes depression when it is persistent. This interferes with their daily lives as they become disinterested in things they once loved and sometimes, life itself. 

Low Self-Esteem: Cyberbullies emphasise perceived weaknesses and flaws of targets. This intimidates targets, influencing them to obsess over these flaws. Consequently, their flaws become their reality and their confidence is deflated. Cyberbullying exerts so much influence, it can alter a victim's perception of themselves. If you’re struggling with low confidence, this article on 

Loneliness: Those who experience cyberbullying are often isolated from social interactions and this fuels feelings of rejection. Loneliness hurts almost as much as physical pain and can be exhausting. It also leads to social withdrawal and reduced productivity. 

What compounds the effects of cyberbullying is neglect. Inaction makes targets feel helpless as it encourages bullies to continue. 

There are constructive ways to tackle this menace. These include:

Don't retaliate: Avoid altercations with the bullies. You might end up bringing more harm to yourself or worse, become a bully. 

Seek help: Many make the mistake of keeping to themselves and compound the issue. Telling a trusted person might be your first step towards help. You can also consider 

Report: If the identity of the bully is known, report to the appropriate authorities and do not hesitate to report and block online groups or profiles that promote cyberbullying. 

Cyberbullying is not meant to be ignored, it should be addressed when spotted. 

Cyberbullying has crippling effects on mental health, disrupting daily lives and leaving lasting scars. Anyone can be a victim of cyberbullying, so you don't have to feel embarrassed about it. 

If you or someone you know is struggling, reach out today. Help is just one click away. To get professional help, you can

 book your first session or start with an initial consultation.

Cyberbullying can take a serious toll on mental health. Learn how to recognize it, protect yourself, and respond effectively before it causes lasting harm

Cyberbullying Hurts: Types, Effects, and How to Stay Safe

Binge Eating Disorder goes far beyond occasional overeating. It’s a real mental health condition, often rooted in emotional pain, stress, or trauma. This article takes a closer look at what it looks like, why it happens, and how healing is possible with compassion, not shame.

Binge Eating Disorder is a condition where a person repeatedly eats unusually large amounts of food in a short period, even when they’re not hungry. The main issue isn’t just the quantity of food, but the loss of control that comes with it and the emotional aftermath that follows. People often reduce it to “overeating” or assume it’s just about lacking discipline. Binge Eating Disorder, or BED, is a mental health condition that affects people in ways that are often invisible, yet very real.

What makes BED different from occasional overeating is the distress it causes. The secrecy, the shame, the self-judgment. Many people live with it silently, not realizing it’s an actual disorder, or they assume it's their fault.

Binge Eating Disoder doesn’t always announce itself. It can be quiet, hidden behind routine, masked by social smiles and functioning lives. But there are patterns to look out for:

Eating large amounts of food rapidly, often until uncomfortably full

Eating alone due to embarrassment or shame

Feeling disgusted, depressed, or guilty after eating

Frequent episodes at least once a week for three months

The person struggling might not look like they have an eating disorder. That’s part of the problem, the misconception that these struggles have a specific appearance when they don’t.

There’s no single cause for BED, but there are risk factors. For some, it begins in childhood, maybe growing up in  an environment where weight or food was overly emphasized. For others, it’s rooted in trauma, emotional neglect, or even perfectionism.

BED can also develop after cycles of extreme dieting. When people restrict their food intake too much, the body and brain sometimes push back. This response can lead to binge episodes.

And then there are the emotional triggers. Stress, loneliness, anxiety, and sadness often fuel binge eating episodes. It becomes a way to self-soothe, even if only for a short while.

It’s not just a food issue. It’s emotional,  psychological and deeply tied to mental health.

Binge Eating Disorder doesn't exist in a vacuum. It often coexists with other mental health conditions such as:

The emotional toll can be overwhelming. People dealing with BED might withdraw socially, struggle with low self-esteem, or feel stuck in cycles of guilt and secrecy. That kind of internal conflict of feeling trapped in a behavior while deeply hating it can affect every part of a person’s life.

How to Manage or Treat Binge Eating Disorder

Recovery from BED is possible. It’s not always a quick fix, but it is a real path that becomes more visible once you name what you're going through and seek help.

One of the most effective ways to treat BED is through Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT). CBT helps individuals identify unhelpful thought patterns and replace them with more supportive ones. For BED, this often includes recognizing triggers, building new coping mechanisms, and breaking the binge-restrict cycle. A mental health professional will work closely with the individual to explore the emotional roots of their behavior and gradually build healthier habits around food and emotions.

Working with a registered dietitian who understands disordered eating (not just weight loss) can help repair one’s relationship with food. The goal isn’t to create another rigid diet plan, but to promote balance, nourishment, and food neutrality.

Sometimes, just knowing you’re not alone can make a world of difference. Support groups whether in-person or virtual provide a safe space to share, listen, and grow without fear of judgment.

For some, medications prescribed by a psychiatrist may be part of treatment especially when BED is accompanied by depression or anxiety. Medication is not a cure-all, but it can help stabilize mood and reduce binge impulses as part of a broader treatment plan.

No recovery process is linear, setbacks might come and progress might feel slow, but the mindset matters. Healing often starts with learning how to speak to yourself with kindness and not shame. It's okay to ask for help and  try again. What matters most is that you don’t give up on yourself.

Binge Eating Disorder isn’t about greed neither is it a moral failure. It’s also not a lack of willpower. 

It’s a mental health condition that deserves to be treated with the same seriousness and compassion as any other. And the truth is, many people are struggling with it in silence unsure of what it’s called, or afraid of how others might see them.

If this speaks to you or someone you know, take this as a gentle nudge: help is available. Healing is possible. And you’re not alone in the journey.

, especially when linked to body image or food control. If these areas feel familiar, you might want to explore how they shape eating patterns and mental health in greater depth.

Understand the emotional and psychological side of Binge Eating Disorder, plus practical ways to support recovery and mental wellness.



What are the Signs and Causes of Binge Eating Disorder?

May is Mental Health Awareness Month, and it is a time when we don’t just talk about mental health in theory, but also take a moment to sit with real stories, real struggles, and real silence.

This month, we invited people to anonymously share their mental health journeys. What they sent us was not just powerful, but also it was heartbreaking. Not because they are weak, but because they’ve had to carry so much alone.

And it is even worse that none of these individuals had tried therapy.

Whether due to stigma, fear, cost, or the idea that they should “just push through,” they’ve been managing their conditions with no guide.

“My mental health has been so unstable. I really feel like I'm losing my mind to depression. I honestly don’t know what’s wrong with me. I feel like I’m losing my mind to this thing, depression or whatever it is.

I can’t remember the last time I was genuinely happy. People laugh, they hang out, they smile… I just sit there, watching, trying to keep up.

These days, I’m not even trying to cope. I just wake up, go through the day, and sleep again. No motivation, no excitement....nothing.

I’m just existing. That’s the word. And it’s scary, because I don’t even know where to begin from. I’ve not tried therapy or anything. I’m just… here.”

This is not laziness or attention-seeking. This is survival. Thank you for sharing that. It sounds like you’re in a really dark and exhausting place right now, and we want you to know that what you're feeling is valid. When it feels like you’re just existing, even the smallest steps can feel overwhelming. But starting doesn’t have to be big. Just acknowledging that something isn’t right, like you just did, is already a brave first step. You don’t have to go through this alone. There’s help, and there’s hope, even if it doesn’t feel like it right now.

“I drink now, and it helps me escape.”

“Losing my brother broke me. It’s been over a year, but it still feels like yesterday. I don’t even know how to explain the pain. I’ve tried everything,  Googled “how to heal,” tried breathing exercises, watched YouTube videos, even joined an online grief group. It works for a while, but then the sadness comes back like a wave.

Sometimes, it just gets too much, so I drink. Not all the time, but when it hits hard. And honestly? It helps me escape. I know it’s not the right way, but it’s the only thing that makes me forget even if it’s just for a few hours.”

Grief takes time. But in isolation, it takes over. We are really sorry you're carrying this kind of pain. It’s heavy, and it makes sense that you're trying to find ways to cope, even if they’re not perfect. Grief isn’t something we just “get over.” It’s something we learn to carry. And sometimes, that wave feels too big to manage alone. You don’t have to have it all figured out. You just need a safe space to start untangling the hurt, and our therapists are here for that.

large_therapy session

medium_therapy session

small_therapy session

thumbnail_therapy session

therapy session

“But these days, I don’t even recognize the person in the mirror. My friends don’t say it directly, but the things they say sometimes? It gets to me. The jokes, the comparisons, the subtle shade. Now I feel ugly, like I’m not enough. I don’t post pictures anymore. I avoid hanging out sometimes 'cause I don’t want to feel like the odd one out. It’s crazy how quickly confidence can fade when the people around you don’t make you feel seen.”

It sounds like you’re carrying a lot of pain, When the people we trust make us feel unseen or small, it can deeply affect our sense of self. But you should know your worth isn’t defined by comparisons or others’ comments. You are enough.

“I have degrees, I have a job... but I still feel lost.”

“I’m supposed to be doing okay. I mean, I’ve got two degrees, a decent job, and people think I’m doing well. But inside? I feel nothing.

Like, I should be happy, but I’m not. I keep asking myself, “Is this all there is?” I hit milestones and don’t even feel like celebrating.

Everyone keeps saying, “You’re doing great,” but I just smile and nod. No one really knows that sometimes I sit alone and wonder if I’ll ever feel fulfilled. I’ve never tried therapy, maybe I should. But even that feels like one more thing I don’t have energy for.”

Sometimes, achievements don’t always bring the fulfillment we expect, especially when we’re disconnected from ourselves. External achievements can’t fix internal battles. It’s okay to question, to feel numb, and even to feel tired at the thought of trying something new like therapy. But just saying this out loud is a powerful start. Take your time, but don't delay for too long. 

People are struggling deeply even the ones who seem okay.

Most have not sought therapy, often due to stigma, cost, or the belief that they should just “figure it out.”

Coping mechanisms vary; some unhealthy, others simply nonexistent.

This month, let’s do more than be aware. Let’s:

Talk openly about therapy as a valid, helpful option.

Normalize the struggle without glorifying it.

Invest in mental wellness. Spending your time, money, or energy toward your peace is not selfish.

Celebrate progress, not just healing because every small step counts.

If you relate to any of these stories, know that help is available.

Professional therapy can change everything.

You are not weak for needing help. You are not alone in what you feel.

We're still collecting anonymous stories from people like you.

Stories will be shared to raise awareness and remind others: you are not alone.

It’s anonymous, and you can say as little or as much as you want.

Together, let’s keep the conversation going, not just for a month, but for good.

Real people share anonymous stories of grief, depression, body image, and emptiness to raise awareness and encourage support this Mental Health Month.

Mental Health Stories: Depression, Anxiety, and Healing Journeys

Children’s Mental Health Awareness Day 2025 is here to remind us that children’s mental health matters just as much as adults’. If a child bursts into tears over a broken crayon, we might laugh it off, but sometimes, it’s about more than just a crayon. It could be the only thing they feel in control of in their world.

Today, May 7, is National Children's Mental Health Awareness Day. It serves as a powerful reminder that children, just like adults, face mental health challenges. This day is not just a formality, it’s a national call to open our eyes to what our children may be silently going through.

National Children's Mental Health Awareness Day

Awareness days help spotlight issues that are often swept under the rug. They challenge silence and create safe spaces for conversations. 

National Children’s Mental Health Awareness Day is dedicated to raising awareness about the importance of children's mental health and the need for early intervention and treatment. It is also a time to celebrate the resilience of children and youth who experience mental health challenges, and to recognize the critical role that family and community play in promoting mental well-being.

It encourages communities to acknowledge that children have mental health needs that are just as real and pressing as those of adults.

Across the country, various organizations are hosting events and campaigns to highlight the importance of children’s mental health. From school assemblies and workshops to social media campaigns and mental health screenings, the day is being used to spark conversations that matter.

When mental health is mentioned, people by default tend to picture an adult battling stress, anxiety, or depression. Rarely do we pause to think; do children go through these conditions as well?

There is a long-standing notion that childhood is a carefree time, free of life’s pressures and troubles. That children are too young to feel anxiety, experience depression, or be deeply affected by trauma. But this isn’t true.

Mental health isn’t a part of a person that waits for adulthood to kick in. The mind and body develop together. Every child has the potential to experience emotional struggles that, if left unnoticed, can evolve into something more serious. In fact, 1 in 6 children aged 6–17 experience a mental health disorder each year, according to the CDC.

While certain mental health issues may be more common in adults, challenges like anxiety, depression, ADHD, and behavioral disorders frequently appear in childhood. And sadly, the stigma attached to mental health still extends to children.

Awareness days like this exist to challenge those mindsets. To shine a light on the silent battles children face and create platforms where they are seen, heard, and supported.

large_children's mental health

medium_children's mental health

small_children's mental health

thumbnail_children's mental health

children's mental health

Mental health challenges in children often show up differently than in adults. Some signs are easy to miss or misinterpret as simply "acting out." Don't just assume they’ll grow out of it. These are a few indicators to pay attention to:

Excessive worry or fear, especially around daily routines

Difficulty concentrating or a drop in academic performance

Frequent outbursts or aggressive behavior

Physical complaints like headaches or stomachaches with no medical cause

Being observant and asking gentle, open-ended questions can go a long way in identifying if a child is in distress.

Now that you have been enlightened and your assumptions addressed, how can you help? The answer lies in intentional support.

1.  In families, it starts with listening. Don’t belittle their emotions. If a child says they’re scared of school or anxious about friendships, don’t write it off as drama or attention-seeking. Small problems in their world can feel overwhelmingly big.

2.  Parents and caregivers should seek support from certified counselors or therapists when signs of distress persist. Early intervention is key to long-term well-being.

large_a therapy session with a girl

medium_a therapy session with a girl

small_a therapy session with a girl

thumbnail_a therapy session with a girl

a therapy session with a girl

3. Schools play a major role. Teachers should be trained to recognize when a        child is not just being stubborn or difficult, but is possibly dealing with emotional struggles. Classroom environments should be safe spaces, not pressure cookers.

 4.  Policy makers, too, have a role. Mental health strategies should be integrated into school policies, with funding allocated to training, school counselors, and wellness programs.

You don’t need a stage to make an impact. There are small but powerful ways to show your support:

Donate to a children’s mental health organization.

Children are not too young to struggle. And because of that, they are not too young to be supported either.

As we observe National Children’s Mental Health Awareness Day, let it be more than a date on the calendar. Let's continue to choose to listen better, support earlier, and love more intentionally.

Mental health matters at every age. Especially when the age is young enough to be shaped by the love, presence, and attention of those who care.

 a licensed child and adolescent therapist

 or start your journey toward better mental health for your child today.

Support National Children’s Mental Health Awareness Day by learning the signs, breaking the stigma, and helping kids thrive emotionally and mentally.

Children’s Mental Health Awareness Day 2025

For many, the mirror is just glass. A simple reflection. But for others, it’s a battlefield—a place where every inch of their body is scrutinized, compared, and sometimes, rejected.

It starts subtly with a passing comment, a side glance, a joke that lingers longer than it should.

Over time, those moments pile up, shaping how we see ourselves, how we walk into a room, how we exist in our own skin.

Some learn to shake it off. Others carry the weight of those words for years.

Today, we’ll talk about an adolescent boy.

This boy represents every child, teen, or adult who has struggled with body image whether due to body shaming, self-doubt, or a lack of confidence in their appearance and has faced mental health challenges as a result.

Whether it’s being called too tall, too short, too thin, or too fat, people always seem to have something to say about bodies that aren’t their own..

Charles knew this all too well. He was bullied in school because of his body. He was frail, weak, small and thin, with a scar that marred his face. His peers never let him forget it. 

Struggling with body image? Follow Charles' journey through self-doubt to healing. Learn to build confidence, seek support, and prioritize mental well-being..

Body Image

News, Insights and Updates On Body Image

Stay Updated

Main Menu

Resources

For Therapists

Popular Concerns

Main Menu

Resources

For Therapists

Popular Concerns