Standing Up to the Stigma: How to Admit That You Are Suffering from An Eating Disorder and Need Help
Admitting that you are suffering from an eating disorder can be one of the most challenging steps on the journey to recovery. In Australia, eating disorders affect people of all ages and backgrounds, yet stigma and misconceptions often prevent individuals from seeking the help they need.
Understanding Eating Disorders and Their Impact
People may present with anorexia nervosa (typical and atypical), bulimia nervosa, binge-eating disorder, and ARFID (avoidant/restrictive food intake disorder).
The diagnosis of atypical anorexia nervosa is relatively new and applies to individuals who have historically been overweight and engage in excessive dieting and exercise. Despite maintaining a weight within a healthy range, their bodies experience severe stress. The psychological and physical challenges are the same as those seen in typical anorexia nervosa; the key difference is that individuals with atypical anorexia generally fall within an acceptable BMI range.
The problem is that many people still rely on BMI as the primary and most reliable criterion for determining a healthy weight.
Eating disorders can trigger intense feelings of shame, guilt, and isolation, making it even harder for individuals to seek help. However, you don’t have to be medically unstable or underweight to experience overwhelming fear around eating, guilt and shame, rigid control over meal preparation and timing, or avoidance of social outings due to the fear of eating in public and being judged.
A common feature of restrictive eating disorders (both typical and atypical) is a significant impact on mood and cognition. You may feel constantly tired, foggy, forgetful, irritable, and easily overwhelmed. Executive functioning—such as planning, organizing, and completing tasks on time—often declines. Additionally, individuals may experience depression, intense distress, and, at times, urges to self-harm when struggling to tolerate frustration or negative emotions.
The stigma surrounding eating disorders often leads to misconceptions, such as the belief that they are solely about food, body image, or weight concerns. In reality, these disorders are complex and influenced by genetic, psychological, and environmental factors. Overcoming this stigma starts with recognizing that eating disorders are serious medical conditions, not lifestyle choices.
Recognising the Signs and Acknowledging the Problem
Many people who are suffering from eating disorders struggle to acknowledge their condition. If you suspect you may have an eating disorder, it’s important to look for common warning signs, such as:
- Preoccupation with food, calories, or dieting
- Extreme weight loss or fluctuations in weight or an “healthy” weight but obsessing about wanting to lose weight
- Avoiding meals, obsessing about calories, thinking about food constantly or eating in secret
- Overeating (binge eating) with or without compensatory mechanisms (diuretics or laxative use, over exercise, purging etc.)
- Feeling out of control when eating (objectively binging or subjectively perceiving to binge because deviating from rigid food rules, e.g. “I cannot eat carbs at night”).
- Emotional distress related to body image or self-worth (please note eating disorders are often link with body dysmorphia, however they might also present without any significant body image distortion).
If any of these resonate with you, it’s crucial to take a step back and assess your relationship with food and your body. Acknowledging the problem is not a sign of weakness—it’s a sign of strength and self-awareness.
Overcoming the Fear of Seeking Help
One of the biggest barriers to seeking help is fear—fear of being judged, fear of losing or releasing control, or fear of being vulnerable. Professional support is essential for recovery. Speaking with a trusted friend, family member, or health professional can help ease the process.
When reaching out for help, consider:
- Confide in someone you trust – Opening up to a close friend or relative can provide emotional support before seeking professional help.
- Speaking to a GP or psychologist – In Australia, GPs are often the first point of contact for mental health concerns, and they can refer you to eating disorder specialists. GP can diagnosed an eating disorder and normally ask you to complete a questionnaire to see if you reach a clinical score to be diagnosed.
- Looking for supportive communities – Connecting with others who have experienced eating disorders can help reduce feelings of isolation and stigma (the Butterfly Foundation is a good place to start connecting with the online community).
Treatment Options for Eating Disorders in Australia
Once you take the first step in admitting that you are suffering from an eating disorder, the next step is finding appropriate treatment. Australia offers a range of evidence-based treatments, including:
Psychological Therapy
Therapies such as Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT-E) and Family-Based Treatment (FBT), MANTRA, CBT-AN have been proven effective in treating eating disorders. These therapies address the underlying thoughts and behaviours that contribute to disordered eating patterns.
Nutritional Support
Dietitians specialising in eating disorders is an essential help for individuals to develop a healthier relationship with food and provide guidance on balanced eating without fear or restriction.
Medical Supervision
Because eating disorders can have severe physical health risks, medical monitoring by a GP or specialist is often necessary (checking postural tachycardia, blood pressure, iron deficiency, bone density etc). This ensures that weight, nutrition, and overall well-being are properly managed throughout recovery.
Finding Support in Adelaide
If you or someone you know is suffering from an eating disorder, support is available. In Adelaide, several mental health professionals and clinics specialise in eating disorder treatment, including Dynamic Psychology SA. Their team offers compassionate, evidence-based support to help individuals regain control over their health and well-being.
Breaking Free from Stigma and Embracing Recovery
Admitting that you are suffering from an eating disorder is not a sign of failure—in fact, it is the first step toward healing. By acknowledging the problem, seeking professional support, and surrounding yourself with understanding people, you can take back control of your life.
If you’re ready to start your recovery journey, don’t hesitate to seek professional help. Dynamic Psychology SA provides expert guidance for individuals struggling with eating disorders. Visit our Eating Disorder Support Page to learn more and take the first step toward healing.