This week is Eating Disorder Awareness Week. Every year, the UK’s eating disorder organisations and charities aim to put eating disorders in the spotlight. The aim this year is to get all medical schools in the UK to provide proper training for GPs on eating disorders. Our GPs are vital for getting the treatment and help needed to overcome eating disorders. Yet only around 2 hours, or less, is spent training them on eating disorders throughout their entire medical degree. The result is delayed access to treatment and often misdiagnosis. Something that can be fatal. Proper help and support is essential in order for people to recover from an eating disorder.

Reaching out for support

While someone accepting that they have an eating disorder is important, deciding to make a change and open up about the problem is the most significant step on the road to recovery. When seeking help, they may feel anxious, embarrassed, or even scared. Being supportive and listening without judging them is important. If someone is opening up about their eating disorder it means that they trust you. Being as supportive as you can is the best approach.

Here are some tips that can help make it easier for someone when opening up about their eating disorder.

The right time and place

Eating disorders are not an easy thing to talk about, and the time and place are crucial to making it easier. Opening up and talking about eating disorders is not something that should be rushed. A relaxed environment where you feel comfortable is best. Somewhere where you can take the time needed without being interrupted and away from distractions.

Beginning the conversation

The most difficult part of taking that first step is how to begin the conversation. Whether it is choosing the right words, simply starting the conversation, or allowing someone to come to terms. If you have an eating disorder you may be anxious about how to tell someone close to you. You may find it is helpful to talk about your feelings, how the eating disorder has impacted you both mentally and physically, and the difficulties you face. Once you start the conversation, it will become much easier to talk about.

Check our strategies for speaking to your child about mental health.

Give them time

The discussion will undoubtedly be emotional. Not only for the person suffering but also for those they open up to. Learning that someone has an eating disorder will bring with it many emotions. If someone is completely unaware, they will undoubtedly be shocked. Not knowing about the illness and not knowing how to help can leave people feeling helpless. They may also feel confused, sad, or even angry. Letting it sink in and giving them time to understand how they feel will help. However, it’s important to remember that whilst it may be difficult for a loved one to hear, it is not about them. This is about you getting the help and support you need to start your recovery.

How can they support you?

Knowing how you want the person to help and support you can be a way to reduce their feelings of helplessness. Think about how best that person can help and support you before opening up and starting the discussion. If you don’t feel ready yet to seek support, you may want them to help you emotionally. You may be nervous about seeking treatment and want someone to come with you. Knowing how the other person can help will make the conversation easier, and will also give them practical steps for them to support you.

Supporting someone with an eating disorder

Once you are aware of someone suffering from an eating disorder, knowing how to support them can help make all the difference. You may find it hard at first but making the effort to support them will help on their road to recovery. There are several ways you can offer support:

Become aware of the signs and symptoms

Many people in the UK are unaware of the signs and symptoms of eating disorders. Not only does it make it difficult for someone to offer support, but it also means someone could be suffering without you even realising. People with eating disorders can display a wide range of symptoms. There are many signs you should also look out for, including personality changes, physical changes, and behavioural changes. Find out more about the different types of eating disorders, alongside the signs and symptoms.

Understanding how they feel

An eating disorder is not directly a problem with food. It is a mental health problem and understanding how someone suffering feels will assist you in supporting them. They may be feeling:

• Fear
• Anxiety
• Depressed
• Lonely
• Angry
• Guilty
• Shame

Understanding how they feel will also help make it easier to talk to them. Be careful not to get angry or frustrated with them as it could make the situation worse.

Talk to them

Talking to someone you know is suffering from an eating disorder, whether it be a family member or friend, is invaluable. Even just letting them know you are there to support them can make a big difference. They may feel more inclined to open up and talk about their eating disorder if they feel they have someone to listen to them. If they are not ready to talk yet, let them know you’re willing to listen when they are comfortable.

Never try to force or push someone into talking about their eating disorder. In this case, they may feel less inclined to talk which could have adverse effects. Making the wrong assumptions can be one of the worse mistakes when trying to talk about an eating disorder. Anyone can suffer from an eating disorder, regardless of age, gender, or background.

Never comment on their appearance

Someone’s weight or appearance tells you very little about how someone with an eating disorder feels. Avoiding comments about how someone looks, or their appearance, can help to avoid triggering difficult emotions. Even remarks such as commenting on how well they look can have negative effects.

Other ways you can help

• Try to include them in any activities, including social activities. Just remember to be mindful about food-related activities if they feel uncomfortable.
• Keep mealtimes stress free and relaxed. It can be difficult at first to adjust but maintaining a relaxed and stress-free atmosphere will help them to feel more comfortable. Avoid making remarks or comments about their eating and let them eat what they feel comfortable with.
• Keep talking with them about their eating disorder. Keeping safe conversations with them about their eating disorder will help them to know you care. Some find it helpful to address the eating disorder in the third person.
• Share stories from others who have experienced the same. Sharing these stories lets them know they are not alone and that others have overcome their eating disorder.
• Encourage them to seek professional help. Encouraging them to seek help and get a diagnosis or referral to treatment can help them on the road to recovery. Do not push them into it but try to encourage them. They may ask you to go along with them for support.

Even if it may seem difficult to engage in conversation at first, keep trying. The more comfortable someone feels talking about their eating disorder, this will help with their recovery. Recovery can be a long process. Helping and supporting them throughout can help to make sure they continue to a full recovery.

Find out more advice on supporting someone with an eating disorder.

The importance of getting help and support

Trying to overcome an eating disorder on your own can be a very difficult task. Those who isolate themselves because of their eating disorder can find it particularly daunting. Many will try to ignore the fact they may have an eating disorder (ED). Acceptance is the first stage on the road to recovery and is vital for the next step of getting support. Whether it be from a friend or family member or seeking professional support, there are many reasons why it’s important to get help and support.

1.      Gain a better understanding of the ED

Many people with an eating disorder will not be aware of the full extent of the effects and causes. Those battling with an eating disorder may not fully understand or be confused about how and why it began. Struggling with the effects may also be difficult, especially when trying to manage them whilst staying as healthy as possible. Fear can be a big concern too over the impact it can place on their life. Seeking treatment helps those suffering to gain a much better understanding of their eating disorder, including the causes and how to better manage their symptoms by controlling their behaviour.

2.      The psychological effects

Many people believe eating disorders to be just a problem with food. In reality, it stretches far beyond that. Eating disorders are usually caused by a mental health condition. Eating disorders develop as a way for people to gain control over their life. When someone does not have a full understanding of the disorder it can be difficult to address the psychological effects. Getting support and treatment can help you to understand that the disorder is a treatable mental health issue.

3.      Knowing you are not alone

Many suffering from an eating disorder will try to isolate themselves. Isolation can occur when they fear that the change in eating behaviours may be noticed, withdraw from social interaction because of depression or anxiety, or fear others will try to interfere. Someone with an eating disorder could be suffering without anyone being aware. Particularly so when many are not aware of the signs or symptoms to look out for. Seeking treatment and support will show those with an eating disorder that they are not alone.

4.      Learning to manage and overcome behaviours

Those suffering from an eating disorder will undergo a change in behaviour. Whether it be a lack of social interaction, a change in eating behaviours or excessive exercising, these behaviours can be damaging both physically and mentally. As some eating disorders, such as anorexia, can be fatal in extreme circumstances, trying to manage and overcome the negative behaviours is another reason for seeking support and treatment. As part of the treatment in overcoming an eating disorder, learning to control and manage the negative behaviours is a step toward the road to recovery.

5.      Develop a positive relationship with food

Whether someone is suffering from anorexia, bulimia or any other kind of eating disorder, a major part of the disorder is the negative relationship with food. While there is a lot more to eating disorders than just negativity towards food, it is still a huge part. Seeking support and treatment can help change that. Partaking in nutrition classes, meal practices, regular support from dieticians can help to change the negative relationship with food to a positive one.

Seeking help and support

Taking the first steps to seek help and support can be daunting, but the sooner treatment is sought the better. Early identification and treatment can help improve the speed of recovery and reduce the likelihood of the disorder returning.

Compared to other mental health illnesses, eating disorders have the highest mortality rate. Around 20% of people die as a direct result of an eating disorder or suicide. Whilst primarily a mental health disorder, the physical health complications that arise from malnourishment from under-eating or obesity from compulsive or over-eating can lead to serious and dangerous illnesses. Eating disorders do not develop from a conscious decision. They are a result of mental health illnesses that could be caused by trauma, depression, anxiety, low self-esteem, body image concerns, or a family history of eating disorders.

The important thing to remember is that, in most cases, the eating disorder can be overcome. The treatment and support you’ll receive will depend on the eating disorder itself. The role of GPs here is important, as they play a crucial step in diagnosing and treating or referring an eating disorder. While GPs want to provide the best care, the lack of training they receive on eating disorders makes it difficult for them to provide the required level of quality care. Often resulting in a misdiagnosis or delayed access to treatment. The results of which can be devastating for both those suffering from an eating disorder and their loved ones. Find out how you can support Beat’s campaign to get all medical schools to offer proper training on eating disorders.

Unfortunately, the lack of training GPs receive has an impact. Research carried out by Beat found that:

• 53% would have sought help sooner if they had confidence in their GP
• 58% of patients thought their GP didn’t understand eating disorders
• 60% of patients have received poor care from their GP
• 72% had to wait over 6 months to get help from their GP

When time is of the essence, delayed access to treatment or misdiagnosis from GPs can have serious implications, through no fault of their own. Fortunately, other places can provide help and support with eating disorders.

Places to seek help and support

Beat is an eating disorder charity. They have a free helpline that is open 365 days a year, between 9 am and midnight in the week and 4 pm to midnight on weekends and bank holidays. You don’t need a formal diagnosis to use their helpline, and can be used to offer support, provide information, or explore options for help and treatment. Their website also has lots of information on eating disorders, including how to help and support someone.

Samaritans is a charity to help those with feelings of isolation and disconnection that could lead to suicide. They have a free helpline open 24 hours a day for anyone wanting to talk or discuss their concerns or problems. While not specifically for eating disorders, the Samaritans helpline can be used to confidentially talk to someone about how you are feeling or the difficulties you face with an eating disorder.

Mind is a charity that provides advice and support to anyone suffering from mental health problems. They provide a range of information on their website about eating disorders, the types, causes, and treatment. They also provided information on how to support someone with an eating disorder.

Breathe Therapies is a not for profit organisation and the treatment arm of S.E.E.D. – the only eating disorder charity in Lancashire. While based in Lancashire, the support we offer can be received by anyone in the UK as we provide both in-person and online support. Following a stepped care approach, the treatment offered by us is tailored to every individual’s needs. Following your initial assessment, we personalise a treatment package, including a range of appropriate interventions according to your needs. We offer a free 20-minute consultation as well as resources and support for carers on our website.

If you feel you need support or help with an eating disorder, book an appointment online with us