Episode 4: How to Tell If You Have an Eating Disorder and What to Do About It

Episode 4: How To Tell If You Have an Eating Disorder and What To Do About It In honor of National Eating Disorder Awareness Week, #NEDAwareness, we review basic information about eating disorders, resources that are available through NEDA (National Eating Disorder Association), and how to get more info or help. In this episode, we’ll explore: • The different types of eating disorders • Disordered eating • Subtle signs that you might have disordered eating or an eating disorder • How to get help if you have questions or concerns • When exercise becomes unhealthy • How to take the next steps • Empowering yourself through information and treatment If after reading any of this you have concerns, doubts, or questions, talk with a treatment professional immediately. Here’s how to get connected with the help you need: 1. Use NEDA resources. NEDA is the National Eating Disorders Association. Their website, www.nationaleatingdisorders.org, is packed with resources for people who have eating disorders, as well as their friends, families, and other loved ones. NEDA also has a national provider directory, a list of eating disorder specialists including therapists, psychiatrists, dietitians, and treatment centers. One of the coolest things NEDA offers is a FREE, anonymous online eating disorder screening questionnaire. NEDA has a free hotline to call with questions 1-800-931-2237. Cooler still is NEDA’s online live chat feature on their website, in case you’re more of a typer than talker. NEDA staff can answer questions and help steer you in the right direction. 2. Contact your local eating disorder treatment center. Most eating disorder treatment centers offer free consultation/initial appointments/intake sessions. During this time, you’ll meet with a clinician who can provide you with a recommendation on what type of therapy you might need. If you only need once weekly therapy from a therapist in the community, not their center, they will provide you with a referral. 3. Contact a therapist in the community to begin individual therapy. Most therapists in private practice offer free initial consultation appointments much like eating disorder treatment centers do. If the therapist determines that you would benefit from once or twice weekly therapy sessions, called outpatient therapy, you can meet with them. If they think you may need more than once or twice weekly sessions or additional services such as nutrition therapy with a dietitian, they can provide you with a referral as well.