Eating Disorders Victoria on where and how to seek help for loved ones

Eating disorders have almost doubled since the onset of the pandemic. Here are the early signs to look out for and where to seek help.

With diagnoses of eating disorders almost doubling since the onset of the pandemic, an expert has offered key advice on the early signs to look out for and where to seek help.

Since March 2020, the National Mental Health Commission reported a 25 to 50 per cent increase in the number of people being diagnosed and treated for an eating disorder.

At Eating Disorders Victoria (EDV) there was a sustained doubling of the number of people reaching out for help over 2020/21.

EDV chief executive officer Belinda Caldwell said this could be because families are becoming more aware of eating disorders in their loved ones.

“People are sometimes frightened of reaching out (but) it never hurts to reach out and say, ‘I’m a bit concerned from what I’m seeing, is there an issue you want to talk about’,” Ms Caldwell said.

If parents are concerned, Ms Caldwell said they should “actively seek help”, including looking online for resources, speaking to a general practitioner or taking their child through emergency services.

As for early warning signs, Ms Caldwell advised loved ones to be aware of the change in someone’s eating habits.

“What we tend to see as early warning signs are someone who is having some challenges with their relationship to food, like cutting food groups out, eating less, avoiding social eating situations and compulsively exercising to the point it interferes with social activities.

“The key message is that we really need early identification or early diagnosis of a disorder and we need prompt, effective treatment. When we have those two things together, we get really good outcomes,” Ms Caldwell said.

If you or anyone you know is experiencing an eating disorder, you can call the Butterfly Foundation National Helpline on 1800 33 4673 (ED HELP), email [e-mail] or chat online via www.butterfly.org.au.

EDV can also be reached at www.eatingdisorders.org.au or by calling 1300 550 236.

Originally published as Eating Disorders Victoria on where and how to seek help for loved ones