Eating Disorders
Eating disorders can be tough to face, but recovery is possible, and you don’t have to do it alone. This page will help you understand eating disorders, recognise the signs, and find ways to start healing. Whether you need coping tips or support from someone who cares, we’re here to help you every step of the way.
What are eating disorders?
Lots of people have different eating patterns. You may eat more one day and less another, or eat more healthily on certain days, but this does not mean you have an eating disorder. However, if you worry about how much you’re eating or what you’re eating, or have constant urges to eat or restrict your diet, you may need some support.
When people think of eating disorders, they most commonly think of Anorexia or Bulimia. However, there are also other types of eating disorder, including:
- Binge-Eating Disorder
- ARFID (Avoidant Restrictive Food Intake Disorder)
- Pica
- EDNOS (Eating Disorder Not Otherwise Specified)
Eating disorders can affect anyone at any age. However, most forms of eating disorder typically develop during adolescence, whereas ARFID is typically present from very early childhood.
There is no one cause for any type of eating disorder. Often, it is a result of a range of different stressful circumstances in your life. For example, you may be experiencing social pressure to be ‘skinny’ or ‘curvy’. Alternatively, you may be experiencing family difficulties or other mental health problems. Fortunately, many sources of support are available. These may be different for each type of eating disorder.
Many people struggle with an eating disorder without even realising, so it’s important to be aware of the signs and spot them early. Managing symptoms with support can significantly improve your physical and emotional health and your overall quality of life.
Reach out and speak to people when you are feeling anxious, whether it is friends, family or our friendly mentors. There are different steps that you can take to help you cope with anxiety in both the short- and long-term, but speaking with someone is a very positive first step.
Struggling with an eating disorder felt like a battle I couldn’t win, but getting help showed me that recovery is possible. I’m learning to be kinder to myself, one day at a time.
What should I do if I have an eating disorder?
Eating disorders can be very difficult to understand and to manage, especially on your own. It can also be unclear where to seek help. You may feel that it’s not something you can talk to others about, or that they may not understand what you’re going through.
People are often reluctant to speak to others about what they are experiencing, but doing so is an important first step to recovery. Even if you don’t fully understand your situation or don’t think it’s very serious, it’s important to speak to someone as soon as possible.
Just as it’s harder to break a habit when you’ve been doing it for a while, if you’re struggling with an eating disorder, managing your symptoms can become more difficult over time. Thankfully, many organisations are available to offer support and guidance:
- Beat offers information and guidance, and also has a helpline that specialises in supporting individuals with an eating disorder.
- SANE offers useful support and information around anorexia and bulimia.
- Weight Matters provides an assessment over the phone and offers tailored support.
- SEED has lots of information and an advice line to answer questions.
- You can also speak to our mentors, who will always listen to your concerns without judgement and provide you with support.
What signs should I look out for?
Anorexia
- Dramatic weight loss
- Missing meals
- Cutting food into tiny pieces to disguise how little they’ve eaten
- Taking appetite suppressants
- Wearing baggy clothing to hide weight loss
- Social withdrawal
- Counting calories excessively
- Chewing and spitting food
Bulimia
- Vomiting or misusing laxatives
- Excessive exercise
- Binge eating
- Social isolation
- Thinking obsessively about weight
- Bad teeth
- Sore throat
- Chewing and spitting food
- Going to the bathroom after eating
Avoidant Restrictive Food Intake Disorder (ARFID)
- Not eating enough food
- Eating slowly
- Fears of choking or vomiting
- Avoiding particular types of food or limiting variety
- Lack of interest in food
- Anxious around mealtimes
- Sensitive to textures
- Common in autistic individuals
Binge-eating disorder
- Eating a large amount of food in a short time
- Eating to escape bad feelings
- Eating alone; fear of eating in public
- Hiding food for later
- Frequent dieting
- Altering schedule to make time for bingeing
Pica
This diagnosis is given to people who have a compulsive desire to eat non-food items that have no nutritional benefit.
This eating disorder can be dangerous, and seems to be associated with iron-deficiency anaemia and developmental disorders.
Eating Disorder, Not Otherwise Specified (EDNOS)
This diagnosis is given when the characteristics of your eating disorder don’t quite fit the diagnosis criteria for a specific eating disorder.
Nonetheless, those diagnosed do still have an eating disorder – it can be just as serious and requires treatment.
Get support, speak to us
I thought I had to hide my eating disorder, but opening up to someone made all the difference. It helped me see that I deserve support and can work towards feeling healthy again.
How can I help somebody with an eating disorder?
If you think your friend is struggling, you’re already doing a great job by trying to learn more about how you can support them. The best way to support them will be to offer to go with them to confide in an adult.
They may not be ready to speak to someone, so you can support them in other ways too. Try to include them in activities even if they don’t want to join. It is nice for them to be asked to go shopping with you or to watch a movie, but make sure they know they don’t have to go.
Ultimately, the best thing you can do is be there to listen to them and give them your time. You don’t need to give advice and don’t criticise them, but lending a listening ear and ensuring they know you’re there for them will provide some comfort for your friend.
There are numerous online charities and organisations that offer support and guidance to individuals’ families and friends. In particular, Anorexia & Bulimia Care provides email and phone support for families and friends of people struggling with an eating disorder.
You can also speak to our mentors about your situation. They will be happy to listen to your concerns and help you find ways to support those around you.
I think I might need some help... what do I do?
If you’ve been reading this page and are starting to worry that you might be suffering with depression, it’s really important that you start thinking about reaching out to somebody.
There are so many different options, and all of them will be able to help you in some way. Don’t suffer in silence; reach out to someone now to start getting the help you need.
GET SUPPORT
SPEAK TO US
SPEAK TO SOMEBODY THAT YOU TRUST
SPEAK TO A DOCTOR
Seeking professional help
A range of different services may be used for the treatment of eating disorders. You can receive treatment as an inpatient (such as at a residential facility, under supervision most or all of the time) or as an outpatient (remaining at home but travelling to meet with medical professionals regularly).
Possible professionals who could be included in your care are:
- A case coordinator/manager is in charge of managing communicating between services and different professionals.
- An occupational therapist may help you to combat possible sensory issues around food or to prepare food and plan meals. They may also help you to set weekly goals.
- A cognitive behavioural therapist will support you in identifying warning signs of relapse, possible triggers and any underlying mental health disorders. They will also help you to change negative thought patterns around food.
- A dietician will help you create a meal plan to suit your current situation, what foods you eat and your goals. It can then be updated as you go through your treatment. This person may also carry out your regular weigh-ins, blood pressure checks, blood tests and heart rate checks, but in some cases they may be carried out by a nurse or other professional.