Eating Disorder Resources

Eating disorders are serious mental health conditions characterised by disturbed eating behaviours and intense preoccupations with food, body weight, or shape.

Key points:

Common types include anorexia nervosa (restriction of food intake), bulimia nervosa (bingeing followed by purging), and binge-eating disorder (recurrent overeating without compensatory behaviour).
They involve psychological, emotional, and physical aspects, often including low self-esteem, anxiety, or perfectionism.
Eating disorders can have serious physical consequences, such as malnutrition, organ damage, and other health complications.
They are treatable through a combination of therapy, nutritional guidance, medical care, and sometimes medication.

In short, eating disorders are complex conditions where unhealthy eating patterns are linked to emotional distress and self-image issues.

Some may experience psychological symptoms such as:

Preoccupation with food, weight, or body shape
Intense fear of gaining weight or becoming “fat”
Distorted body image (seeing yourself differently than reality)
Anxiety, depression, or mood swings
Perfectionism or extreme self-criticism

Some may experience physical symptoms such as:

Significant weight loss, gain, or fluctuations
Fatigue, dizziness, or fainting
Gastrointestinal problems (constipation, bloating, nausea)
Hair thinning, brittle nails, or dry skin
Irregular or absent menstrual periods (in females)
Signs of vomiting, laxative use, or restrictive eating

When should you seek help with eating disorders?

If you are experiencing extreme symptoms (either physical, psychological or both), physical health concerns, psychological distress or symptoms are getting in the way of normal daily functioning, it may be time to seek help with your eating disorder.

Below, you’ll find a variety of resources that may help support you with your eating disorder. Please take a moment to explore them.