Traumatic events and stressful transitions are known to trigger eating disorders; trying to control one’s body when the world feels uncontrollable can become a coping mechanism. Events that lead to anxiety and depression can similarly influence the development of bulimia. Restriction and purging can seem to control anxiety by acting as an emotional buoy and a release of stress. Beauty ideals in the culture and in the media may play a role, but alone they do not lead to the development of an eating disorder.