Bulimia often involves a pattern of bingeing and purging, which reflects a cycle of seeking comfort or release, only to experience shame or guilt afterward. The binge represents a way of coping with overwhelming emotions, and the purging can feel like an attempt to regain control or to make up for the loss of control during the binge. This cycle often stems from an internal conflict — the need to soothe inner turmoil, while simultaneously struggling with feelings of guilt or unworthiness.
The compulsion to binge is not simply about hunger or food; it can be a reaction to emotional stress or feelings of emptiness. When the binge ends, the purging is often seen as a way to atone or undo what’s been done, creating a cycle of release and shame that becomes difficult to break. In some ways, bulimia acts as a coping mechanism for emotions that are hard to express — feelings of self-doubt, fear of judgment, or a deep sense of incompleteness.
Therapy focuses on understanding the underlying emotional pain that drives this behavior. Rather than simply addressing the food or the behavior, the focus is on what the binge and purge are meant to cover up or manage. By creating space to examine these deeper feelings, therapy aims to help individuals find healthier ways to cope and regain control, not by restricting or purging, but by finding new ways to relate to their emotions and their sense of self.
