In a crisis or need urgent help? If things feel overwhelming or you're worried about someone else, here’s what you can do:
Remember: Reaching out is a sign of strength. Whether you're looking for a little guidance or urgent help, there are people ready to listen and support you.
Beat has an eating disorders online support group for anyone who is navigating an eating disorder (no diagnosis is required)
Early stage support is also available via CARED – SCOTLAND. This package is designed for parents and carers of young people (aged up to 25) who have recently received a diagnosis of an eating disorder and are about to or have just started treatment.
UK's Eating Disorder Charity - Beat and their online support group.
Online Support Group The Nest
Support for Families CARED - SCOTLAND
There are many types of “eating styles” and habits that can support us to stay healthy. However, there are some that are driven by an intense worry and fear about our weight that can affect our health. These are the conditions we call Eating Disorders.
Eating disorders involve:
- eating too much
- eating too little
- using harmful ways of getting rid of calories.
However, there is more to eating disorders than the eating behaviour. People with eating disorders find themselves checking and worrying about their weight constantly and finding ways to avoid taking in calories or to burn them off.
There are two main eating disorders; Anorexia Nervosa and Bulimia Nervosa. But they are not the only ones, and it is common for somebody to move from one to another or experience both in their lifetime.
The NHS website provides an overview of most common types of eating disorders, their signs and symptoms, as well as some information on how to get help for eating disorders for patients and carers.
Beat is the UK’s eating disorder charity and their website is full of support including helplines, chatrooms, self-help, carer support and additional information on local ED services.
One of their top tips is having a go-to list of ways to distract yourself from the urge to use eating disorder behaviours - Blast Distraction Techniques.
Beat also provide services and resources for anyone supporting someone with an eating disorder.
Help and support for underrepresented populations - FEDUP | Fighting Eating Disorders in Underrepresented Populations: A Trans+ & Intersex Collective
Local Support - SupportED - The Community Eating Disorder Charity
SilverCloud is a website with courses you can do to improve your mental wellbeing. You can learn new ways to deal with the challenges you’re facing. It’s designed by clinical experts, and supported by the NHS and Scottish Government.
SilverCloud is:
SilverCloud is free, use the code Scotland2020 and an email address to sign up.
SilverCloud courses relevant to Eating Disorders include:
Space for Positive Body Image - This is a practical program that will help you to build a positive body image and develop a healthy relationship with food. You will develop understanding of the impact media can have on your body image, boost your self-esteem and develop new coping mechanisms.
Self-Management Toolkit - This programme is designed to help you to become an optimal self-manager. It teaches you important skills and tools that you will need during periods of change and uncertainty, including problem-solving and goal setting.
MyApp: My Mental Health