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 speak to a member of our ThriveWell team about your struggles with disordered eating. The Thrivewell team can help with a whole range of issues that may be affecting you and offer safe and active listening as a starting point. They can discuss support options with you such as referrals to the Centre for Wellbeing where further counselling sessions can be provided if needed. The Thrivewell team offer a range of daily drop-in sessions (Monday to Friday during term-time). You can also pre-book one-to-one sessions (in-person or online) with our advisers. Please also contact them via email if you have any specific questions.

The Centre for Wellbeing has a range of professionals who can support you with eating issues and have a specialist eating disorder counsellor who 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 or use our Report a Wellbeing Concern service.