It is usually very difficult for people with eating disorders to get better on their own; therefore there are a variety of ways you could get help for either you or a friend or relative. Contacting your doctor would be a positive first step towards getting help with an eating disorder. A doctor can then advise you on the next steps to take and can even refer you to somebody who can help you fight the disorder. If you feel uncomfortable talking to your doctor then a nurse would be happy to sit down and chat through your problems and give you advice on the next steps to take. Maybe you might have somebody at school or at home that you trust and would be willing to open up to.
There are also help lines available if you do not want to talk to someone face to face. All help line staff are trained and ready to listen to whatever you want to tell them. From there they can give you further advice and in complete confidentiality.
Youthline – 01603 765 050 (weekdays, 4pm – 6pm, up to 18 years of age)
Helpline – 01603 621 414 (weekdays, 9am – 6.30pm, over 18 years of age)
Childline – 0800 1111 (free 24 hour helpline)
Careline – 0181 514 1177 (weekdays, 10am – 4pm, 7pm – 10pm)
NSPCC – 0800 800 500 (free 24 hour helpline)
