Further Support

There are lots of different avenues that you can explore to find support. Here are just a few suggestions; 
University Support for Students with Eating Disorders

  1. Your Student Union Welfare Officer should be able to signpost you in the direction of support available at your university & if the support simply isn't there, the Welfare Office should be able to work with you secure better support for students at your university. Welfare officers differ across the country, but many think that Mental Health is a major priority - here's what Katie, the Welfare Officer at the University of Oxford has to say -  http://studentrunselfhelp.tumblr.com/post/28428610627/why-student-unions-need-to-make-mental-health-a
  2. SRSH run support groups in universities across the country - these are a very gentle step towards formal support and are open to anyone experiencing eating distress, regardless of diagnosis. For more information about the SRSH groups check out our Support Groups section.
  3. Your University may have a mental health advisor or a student support officer. This individual usually works for the university and can support students either by finding formal support or by helping you stay on top of your studies etc. 
  4. You University will have a student disability office. Universities currently classify Mental Health problems including eating disorders as a disability. Disability Services usually maintain a strict code of confidentiality - but if you are worried, do check with them before talking to them. They should be able to support you with your studies and liaise with the university on your behalf if you feel this is appropriate. 
  5. Your University will have a counselling services which can usually provide you with short term support. 
Other Support at your University 

Your GP. If you are worried about speaking to your GP, perhaps think about taking a friend along for support. People can be worried that a GP will "over-react," and take measures like referring someone straight to hospital. This is very unlikely. It is normal practice to treat patients with eating disorders in an outpatient setting. People are not usually referred to hospital until all other treatment options have been exhausted. Your GP does not have the power to force you to eat. At best, they can support you with the process of moving towards recovery. Your GP cannot tell anyone that you have visited - they have a strict code of confidentiality. The concern that we do hear raised more often is that GP's don't take people's problems with eating seriously. If you are worried about this there are a few things you can do. 
  1. Take a friend with you to support what you are saying 
  2. Be clear about what is wrong when speaking to your GP - be prepared to say "I think I have an eating disorder." - it is very hard for a GP to diagnose someone who is not willing or ready to say that they have a problem. 
  3. If you GP is not helpful, you can change GP. To do this, you do not have to tell your existing practice, you simple need to go to another practice and ask to register. 
Other Networks of Support 

B-eat, a national charity providing support and information about eating disorders. B-eat provide resources and information specifically related to eating disorders.

Something Fishy, an online support forum for eating disorders, the forum is well moderated. Something Fishy provides a safe and recovery orientated online support forum, as well as a wide range of tools, tips and motivational inspiration to support recovery. 

Mind, the leading national charity for mental health

Institute of Psychiatry, the eating research group provide comprehensive information about eating disorders and the findings of their research. You can also find out information about ongoing studies.  
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