DR. WALLACE: I have read many of your columns about bulimia and until now I never had the courage to write to you. I simply cannot control my eating habits even though I am thoroughly aware of the symptoms and the repercussions, thanks to your column and the information you give to teens.

My typical eating pattern includes eating like a bird or fasting completely five days out of the week. Then for two days (usually the weekend) I stuff myself, eating everything in sight until I have stomach cramps. I can't stand the thought of vomiting so I then take a bunch of Ex-Lax and go to bed. After starving the next day, I end up being slim and trim again.

I really want to look good and be thin, but I hate being so out of control and I worry about the consequences of bulimia. I realize that I have a serious problem, but I don't know how I can solve it. I am getting more and more depressed every day. I recently even considered suicide. I took an overdose of diet pills, thinking that would end everything, but I just passed out and slept it off.

I'm 20 years old and happily married, but nobody knows about my illness, not even my husband. Whenever I binge, I make sure I'm alone and nobody knows - I'm too embarrassed to tell my husband or my family or even my best friend.

I keep thinking that I probably need to speak to a psychiatrist, but we could never afford it. We can barely pay our bills now. I'm feeling really alone and scared. Can you help me? — Nameless, Las Vegas, Nev.

NAMELESS: Asking for help is your first step toward recovery, but it is impossible for you to do it alone. Your husband loves you and will understand. You must tell him and then the two of you should visit your family doctor. Explain to him or her that your funds are very limited, but you really need to get help immediately. Your doctor will direct you to the professionals who can help you.

The most important person in your recovery process is your husband. He will always be there for you when the urge to binge takes hold. Together, you can and will overcome your problem. Please write to me in about a month to let me know how you are progressing.

Also, please read the following letter from Jill who has additional information that might help you.

OVEREATERS ANONYMOUS CAN HELP

DR. WALLACE: I was interested in your column regarding bulimia. May I offer some information that will be useful? I suffer from an eating disorder and was referred by my doctor to Overeaters Anonymous. OA is a caring, sharing group of people who understand. There are meetings designed especially for sufferers of anorexia and bulimia and also for the families of the suffering people.

Overeaters Anonymous is located all over the world, so information can help a lot of people, if they want help. For the number in their area, they can look in the telephone book or call information. — Jill, San Diego, Calif.

JILL: Thanks for sharing this important information! I'm sure many readers will take advantage of your kindness.

Dr. Robert Wallace welcomes questions from readers. Although he is unable to reply to all of them individually, he will answer as many as possible in this column. E-mail him at [email protected]. To find out more about Dr. Robert Wallace and read features by other Creators Syndicate writers and cartoonists, visit the Creators Syndicate website at www.creators.com.