Concerned about an eating disorder?
Help is available.
Wondering if you or a friend might have an eating disorder?
If you’re worried about how you eat or feel about food this can be very upsetting. Maybe other people have said they’re worried about you, even if you don’t agree. That can be hard to hear and might even cause arguments or make you feel alone or confused.
You don’t have to figure it out on your own. Bodywhys have a helpline you could contact to chat about anything you’re unsure about or to answer any questions you might have. Bodywhys also have email support and online support groups to help you to understand any difficult feelings you might be having and to know how to feel better,
Who can have an eating disorder?
Anyone can have an eating disorder. Eating disorders can affect people of different ages, genders, body types, or backgrounds. There are different types of eating disorders but actually if someone is having a lot of anxiety or difficult feeling around food then it’s really important that instead of trying to figure out which type they have that instead they talk to someone about their concerns as soon as possible.
Different types of eating disorders
The main types are:
Anorexia – eating very little or trying to control your weight in extreme ways.
Bulimia – eating a lot and then trying to get rid of it by being sick or exercising too much.
Binge eating disorder – eating large amounts of food and feeling out of control when you do.
ARFID – avoiding lots of foods or not eating enough, often because of fear, texture, or other reasons.
Some people are diagnosed with something called OSFED (Other Specified Feeding or Eating Disorder), which means their symptoms don’t fit exactly into one category, but it’s still serious and really holding them back in their life and deserves help.
Eating disorders symptoms can change over time but if difficult thoughts and feelings about food are affecting other parts of a persons’ life it’s really important that they talk to someone and that they get help.
What do eating disorders really look like?
You might have only seen eating disorders shown one way in TV shows or online - but that’s not the whole story.
Anyone can have an eating disorder, and you can’t tell just by looking at someone. If stress, feelings, or tough situations are making you eat differently or change how you feel about food or your body, that’s something to pay attention to. You deserve support to get back to being able to listen to your body and to overcome these difficult feelings around food.
What can you do next?
If you think you might have an eating disorder here are some steps you can take
💬 Talk to someone: It could be a friend, family, teacher an adult you trust or Bodywhys.
📖 Find out more about the different types and signs of eating disorders.
📞 Call the Bodywhys Helpline to talk about whatever’s on your mind.
Getting help and treatment
The best next step is to book an appointment with your Doctor. Getting help early really does make recovery easier — and yes, recovery is always possible.
You could get advice from Bodywhys first to help you explain what’s been going on. Your Doctor can then refer you to a specialist who’ll work with you on a plan that fits you.
Realising that you — or someone you care about — might have an eating disorder can feel scary. But you’re not alone. Bodywhys is always here to help you find your way toward recovery.
How to Support a Friend Who Might Have an Eating Disorder 💬💛
If you’re worried that a friend might be struggling with food, eating, or body image, it can be really hard to know what to do — but just by caring, you’re already being a good friend. You don’t have to have all the answers, and you don’t need to “fix” things on your own. What matters most is showing kindness, patience, and support.
Here are some ways you can help:
1. Talk to them gently.
Pick a quiet, private moment and let your friend know you’re concerned because you care. You could say something like, “I’ve noticed you don’t seem yourself lately — are you okay?” or “I’m really worried about you and I want to help.” Avoid commenting on their body, food, or weight — focus on how they’re feeling.
2. Listen, don’t judge.
Let them talk if they want to, and really listen. Try not to interrupt or offer quick fixes. Just showing that you’re there and that you care can make a huge difference.
3. Encourage them to reach out for help.
Remind your friend that they don’t have to go through this alone — and that support is available. Gently suggest they talk to a parent, teacher, guidance counsellor, or another trusted adult. You could even offer to go with them if they’re nervous.
4. Look after yourself, too.
Supporting someone who’s struggling can be emotional. It’s okay to feel worried, sad, or frustrated. Make sure you also talk to a trusted adult if you’re finding it difficult — you deserve support as well.
5. Remember: It’s not your job to fix it.
Eating disorders are serious mental health conditions that need professional help. You can’t make your friend better by yourself, but your kindness and encouragement might be the first step in helping them get the support they need.
If you’re really worried or think your friend is in danger, tell an adult right away, even if your friend asked you not to. You’re not betraying them — you’re helping to keep them safe.
Useful Resources + links:
🎥 This video from the organisation Beat gives helpful tips on navigating social media for people recovering from eating disorders. Watch here
💻 Website: Bodywhys have a helpline to talk through your concerns. Helpline info.
💻 Website: Bodywhys list of support services and information about eating disorders.
💻 Website: Spunout information about eating disorders and supports.
💻 Website: Pieta provides free therapy to people engaging in self-harm, with suicidal ideation, or bereaved by suicide.
💻 Website: Here you will find a directory of accredited psychotherapists and counsellors in Ireland.