If you think you or someone you know may have, or be developing, an eating disorder, the best place to start seeking help is to arrange an appointment with your doctor or a general physician. The following services can also help you find the support you need.
In Australia
Lifeline Australia
(www.lifeline.org.au)
If you are in a crisis and need help now, call Lifeline’s 24-hour crisis line on 13 11 14 for support or dial 000 if life is in danger.
Kids Helpline
(www.kidshelpline.com.au)
A free and confidential telephone counselling service for young people aged between 5 and 25. Telephone: 1800 55 1800.
The Butterfly Foundation
(www.thebutterflyfoundation.org.au)
The peak national body supporting and representing the interests of individuals with eating disorders and/or body image concerns, their families, friends and carers. Support Line: 1800 33 4673.
National Eating Disorders Collaboration
(www.nedc.com.au)
The NEDC is an initiatve of the federal government that brings together people and organisations with expertise and interest in eating disorders. The NEDC website provides lots of useful information including information on emerging research and resources. You can also subscribe to the NEDC e-bulletin.
Centre for Eating and Dieting Disorders
(www.cedd.org.au)
An academic and service support centre based in Sydney. Provides contact details for services and practitioners specialising in eating disorder treatment in both the public and private sector of NSW. Funded by the Mental Health and Drug and Alcohol Office, NSW Department of Health.
Eating Disorders Foundation of Victoria Incorporated
(www.eatingdisorders.org.au)
Victoria’s peak charitable incorporated organisation representing and supporting the interests of individuals with eating disorders and their friends and loved ones. Support line: 1300 550 236.
Eating Disorders Association Incorporated
(www.eda.org.au)
Queensland’s peak charitable incorporated organisation representing and supporting the interests of individuals with eating disorders and their friends and loved ones. Support line: 1300 550 236.
Eating Disorders Association of South Australia
(www.edasa.org.au)
South Australia’s peak charitable incorporated organisation representing and supporting interests of individuals with eating disorders and their friends and loved ones. Telephone: (08) 8297 4011.
Bridges Association Incorporated
(www.bridges.net.au)
Western Australia’s peak body representing and supporting the interests of individuals with eating disorders and their carers, families and friends.
Centre for Clinical Interventions
(www.cci.health.wa.gov.au)
A specialist eating disorder outpatient treatment service funded by the Western Australian government.
Maudsley Parents
(www.maudsleyparents.org)
Maudsley Parents is a volunteer organization of parents who have helped their children recover from anorexia and bulimia through the use of a family-based treatment called the Maudsley Approach.
Outside Australia
Eating Difficulties Education Network
(www.eden.org.nz)
EDEN is a non-profit community agency in New Zealand, working to promote body trust and satisfaction, size acceptance and diversity on an individual and societal level.
Beating Eating Disorders
(www.b-eat.co.uk)
BEAT is the leading UK charity for people with eating disorders and their families.
Bodywhys:The Eating Disorder Association of Ireland
(www.bodywhys.ie)
BodyWhys is a national voluntary organisation in Ireland supporting individuals with eating disorders and their carers, families and friends.
National Eating Disorders Association
(www.nationaleatingdisorders.org)
NEDA is a non-profit organisation in the United States dedicated to supporting individuals and families affected by eating disorders.
National Eating Disorder Information Centre
(www.nedic.ca)
NEDIC is a Canadian, non-profit organization, providing information and resources on eating disorders and weight preoccupation.
Maudsley Parents
(www.maudsleyparents.org)
Maudsley Parents is a volunteer organization of parents who have helped their children recover from anorexia and bulimia through the use of a family-based treatment called the Maudsley Approach.
This list is not exhaustive. If you think you, or someone you know, may have an eating disorder, it is important to seek medical help and get a professional assessment and diagnosis.