Treatment
If you suffer from an eating disorder the important thing to remember is that you can get better. Recovery is not easy but is always possible even after many years of illness.
Despite the mistaken view that eating disorders are simply 'a slimmer's disease' they are recognised as serious health problems that need specialist care to help you deal with both the underlying psychological difficulties and the physical consequences.
Restoring a regular eating pattern and a balanced diet will allow your body to return to health and give you the strength you will need to fight the disorder. Helping you to come to terms with the underlying emotional issues will enable you to cope with difficulties in a way that is not harmful to your health.
Before you can get better though, YOU have to want to make a change in your life. No one else can do it for you. Family, friends and professional health workers can only help by supporting, caring and providing you with the necessary guidance to lead you down the road to recovery. People with eating disorders often have mixed feelings about 'giving up' their illness. This is because their eating habits have become established as a way of coping with their emotional difficulties.
For most people the first step will be to talk to your GP, or if you feel uncomfortable talking to your GP perhaps you could talk to a Practice Nurse. If you are worried about being able to discuss things with the doctor, consider writing down the things that are worrying you and any questions you would like to ask. Perhaps you could take a friend or family member with you.
If you are over 16 your GP should respect your wishes if you do not want them to talk to your parents or your partner. You should talk to the GP about why you do not want them to be involved because in most cases parents or partners can be very helpful and supportive. If you are between 16 and 18 the doctor may discuss your condition with your parents if it is thought that your life is in any danger because of your eating disorder. If you are worried about who your GP might talk to or what might be said, discuss the matter first and explain your anxiety.
The GP offers the easiest route to diagnosis and further treatment options through the NHS. There are a variety of ways in which you can be treated. You may be offered a combination of different forms of therapy. If you are at a very low weight it may be essential to gain some weight before you begin therapy. Depending on the severity of your disorder, you may be offered a course of counselling; dietary counselling or advice; or referral to a specialist for further assessment. You will probably be offered some form of 'talking therapy' such as: counselling, psychotherapy, cognitive analytic therapy, cognitive behaviour therapy, group therapy, family therapy. The therapy you are offered should be based on discussions between you and the healthcare professionals. If you are an in-patient or a day patient you might also be offered drama or art therapy as well as relaxation and body acceptance therapy including massage, aromatherapy or reflexology.
You may also need treatment for any medical condition which has resulted from your eating disorder, or is associated with it.
In some instances medication can help in the treatment of bulimia, or to deal with associated depression or other problems.
More information
Based on information supplied by Eating Disorders Association.
Website: www.edauk.com. Helpline service: 0845 634 14.
