If you are concerned about your relationship with food, exercise, or your body image, please know that you are not alone and help is available. Eating disorders are serious mental illnesses, but they are treatable and seeking support as early as possible leads to the best chance of recovery.
Recognizing the Signs
Eating disorders are not just about weight or food; they are often a way of coping with difficult feelings or situations. You might notice:
- Preoccupation with calories, ingredients, or "healthy" eating.
- Feeling loss of control around food or secretive eating.
- Compulsion to exercise excessively.
- Drastic changes in mood, such as increased anxiety, irritability, or withdrawal from social activities.
- Physical signs like feeling cold, dizzy, or experiencing changes in sleep patterns. beateatingdisorders.org.uk
How to Get Help
The first step is often speaking with a professional. You do not need to have a "low weight" to deserve support.
At the GP Surgery
You can book an appointment with a GP specifically to discuss these concerns. To help your doctor understand what you are going through, it can be useful to:
- Keep a brief diary of your thoughts and behaviors over a few days.
- Bring a trusted friend or family member for support.
- Focus on how you feel emotionally, not just your physical symptoms.
Specialist Support in Hillingdon
For children and young people under 18 (up to 19 if in full-time education), the Hillingdon Community Eating Disorder Service provides specialist assessment and evidence-based treatment. You can be referred by your GP, or in many cases, families can contact the service directly for advice. cnwl.nhs.uk
External Resources and Support
While waiting for an appointment, these organizations offer confidential advice:
- Beat Eating Disorders: The UK’s eating disorder charity provides helplines, online chat, and support groups for both patients and their families. Their website also features a "GP Leaflet" you can print and take to your appointment to help start the conversation. beateatingdisorders.org.uk
https://beat.contentfiles.net/media/documents/Beat_GP_Leaflet_Digital_2024.pdf
https://beat.contentfiles.net/media/documents/Supporting_someone_with_an_eating_disorder_-_a_guide_for_friends_and_family_Di_0O0lnEw.pdf
https://www.beateatingdisorders.org.uk/resource-index-page/helping-a-loved-one-with-an-eating-disorder-a-guide-for-families-and-carers/