In reality, eating disorders and body image issues can impact all genders, all ages, and manifest in a wide spectrum of symptoms and behaviours. Eating disorders and negative body image are complex mental health issues that can cause weight loss or weight gain. They might be visible in the form of restrictive diets or extreme exercise regimes, or they might be invisible in the form of feelings of shame, guilt, self-disgust or an irrational fear of food.

The most important thing to know if you, or someone you care about, is suffering from an eating disorder or negative body image, is that recovery is absolutely possible. Eating disorders and body image issues can however, put you at risk of serious physical, mental and emotional health outcomes, so it’s important to seek professional support.

Different mental health professionals may have different approaches, so if you find a mental health professional who feels like the right fit for you, feel free to give them a call, or send an email, to find out more about how they work and how they can support you. It’s important to know that you may also need nutritional or medical support to aid your recovery, which is something you might like to discuss further with a professional.