MENTAL HEALTH
Eating Disorders
How you may recognise them;
Eating disorders are not primarily about food, but can be seen as a way of coping with emotional distress or other underlying issues. For the person with an eating disorder, controlling food and the body is their way of relieving distress and achieving some degree of control over their life.
Eating disorders can effect anybody, male or female. With appropriate help and support, people can, and do, recover from eating disorders.
Eating disorders can be complex. There are variations in the typical signs and not all symptoms will apply to all people.
Body and mind are starved.
THINGS TO WATCH OUT FOR
Symptoms of eating disorders
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Refusal to eat enough
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Excessive thinking and talking about food
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Feeling worthless
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Being underweight
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Binge eating
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Weight going up and down
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Trying to be ‘perfect’
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Fear of being overweight
Even if you don’t have these symptoms, if you are worried and upset by something, it is important you find someone to talk to. Don’t bottle it all up.
Eating disorders do not include food allergies or illnesses of the digestive system. If you are concerned about changes in your eating behaviour or of those of a friend, contact your GP to check it out.
GETTING HELP
Remember there is help available! With appropriate help and support, people can and do recover from eating disorders. See below for more information:
SUPPORT FOR ALL AGES
Freephone 1890 200444
