Who can I talk to if I think I have an eating disorder?

Eating disorders are complex mental health conditions, 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.

You are encouraged to reach out to the Centre for Wellbeing about your struggles with disordered eating. The Centre for Wellbeing can provide support to you through their range of professionals/services including Thrivewell, Counselling and Mental Health Practitioner appointments. They can support with a range of issues that may be affecting you or ensure that appropriate referrals are made for any further support. The Centre for Wellbeing also has members within the team with more expertise in the area who will be able to provide more enhanced support such as liaison with NHS services and coordination to support you through your studies. You can contact the Centre for Wellbeing by email if you are would like support or have any further questions.

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 or use our Report a Wellbeing Concern service.