Eating Disorders
This page provides information about eating disorders, and where you can get advice and support.
Eating Disorders Awareness Week - From February 27th to 5th March
"Eating disorders are one of the most dangerous and complex mental health issues for anyone to overcome - they should be taken seriously."
Help raise awareness of eating disorders support by sharing the following resources:
'Eat Well, Feel Well' Campaign - Offers families in Suffolk find tips and advice for eating well for your physical and mental health and how to improve your relationship with food.
Spotting signs of an eating disorder in children and young people - our advice page for parents and carers.
Eating disorders advice for young people - The Source website for young people in Suffolk.
'Men Get Eating Disorders Too' Campaign - Take a look at BEAT Eating Disorders Charity new campaign for male eating disorders.
Overview of Eating Disorders
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An eating disorder is a mental illness where you use food to manage your feelings. You may become obsessed with food and your eating patterns and eat too much or too little or constantly worry about your weight or body shape.
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Eating disorders occur mainly among young people over 12 years old. However anyone can develop an eating disorder, regardless of their age or gender.
Click the drop down boxes below which will navigate you to further information and where to get support.
I am an adult looking for support
How to find support:
Speak to your GP
- To find a GP visit NHS website
Your GP will refer you to access Adult Mental Health Support Services. You can find details of the NHS Mental Health Support Services on the Nofolk and Suffolk Foundation Trust Website.
Speak directly with eating disorders charity Beat to their support advisors. Use their secure messaging service.
- Click here to chat to a Beat support advisor
- Call 0808 801 0677 - open 9am to midnight week days, 4pm to midnight weekends and bank holidays.
For further places to go for support see our list of 'Eating Disorders organisations and support groups and services'
I am a parents/carer looking for support
How to find support:
If you are worried your child or young person may have an eating disorder, please go to our 'Eating Disorders in Children and Young People' advice page.
If you are a parent/carer based in Lowestoft or Waveney you can find support on the Just One Norfolk website.
FEAST provides useful information and online support for parents of those with eating disorders. Visit: www.feast-ed.org
If you need urgent mental health support contact the NHS Mental Health Crisis Line. Call 111 and press option 2. This is a 24/7 helpline for anyone of any age.
I am a young person looking for support
How to find support:
- Visit your GP - Anything you talk about is confidential.
- Contact the Emotional Wellbeing Hub (For young people living in East and West Suffolk) Or Just One Service (For young people in Lowestoft and Waveney).
- Get support from Beat eating disorders charity. Call 0808 801 0811 Studentline or 0808 801 0711 Youthline. Join their peer support groups
- Text ChatHealth Service - To speak to a school nurse.
- Get online counselling and peer support from Kooth
- Go to The Source website for a range of health topics and advice for young people in Suffolk.
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