Who can I talk to if I think I have an eating disorder?
Eating disorders are complex mental illnesses, which can cause significant harm but can also be treated successfully. They affect around 1.25m people in the UK, 25% of whom are male. There is no one single cause of an eating disorder. A combination of social, genetic and psychological factors can contribute. Many professionals consider them to be a maladaptive coping mechanism: disordered thoughts and actions that lead to compulsions that overtake your daily life. Disordered eating serves a purpose to reduce levels of anxiety and stress in the short-term, as you channel your energy into a preoccupation with food and eating and often exercise. A troubled relationship with food is often a symptom of an underlying problem. The Centre for Wellbeing has a range of professionals who can support you with eating issues. Our counsellors can help you to work through emotional issues around eating and our specialist eating disorder counsellor can provide enhanced support for those with eating disorders, including liaison with NHS services and coordination to support you through your studies.
If you, or you suspect someone you know, is struggling with an eating disorder, and you would like more information on the support available at the University of Surrey, please visit our eating disorder advice page.