Step 1: Acknowledging Your Issue
Anyone can develop an eating disorder, and anyone can recover from one too. Recovery begins with recognising that your eating behaviours may be causing harm and need to be addressed. This can be one of the hardest parts, especially if you’ve been holding onto beliefs like “losing weight will make me happy, confident, or successful.” On top of that, stigma around mental health can make it even more difficult to admit that something’s wrong.
But taking that first step is powerful. It’s like wiping away a foggy lens—allowing you to see your eating disorder more clearly, not as something to live with forever, but as something you can work through with the right help and support.
Tips for acknowledging that your eating disorder is an issue:
- Reflect on the long-term impact
Write down how your eating behaviours have affected your health, relationships, studies, work, or goals. Think about how these consequences might clash with what you truly value in life. This exercise can help you see the disconnect between who you are, what you want, and what the eating disorder is taking away from you.
Example: “My eating disorder is starting to affect the way I connect with my family and friends. I value close and caring relationships, and I’m worried my behaviour is creating distance.”
- Reach out for professional support.
Talking about an eating disorder can feel overwhelming. You might be scared of being judged or not taken seriously. But mental health professionals who specialise in eating disorders understand what you’re going through. They can help you open up, feel safe, and start taking the steps you need to heal. You don’t have to have everything figured out before seeking help. Reaching out is a strong and important first step.
Step 2: Seeking professional help
If you’re struggling with an eating disorder, reaching out for help as early as possible can make a big difference. Early treatment is often linked to a shorter recovery process and a better overall outcome.
A strong support team of professionals is key to helping you recover. Because eating disorders can affect your mental, emotional, physical, and nutritional health, having a well-rounded treatment team can support you through every aspect of healing. Your treatment team might include:
Psychologist (preferably one that specialises in eating disorders):
Assess dysfunctional behaviours and address underlying psychological issues, particularly those relating to disordered eating behaviours.
Nutritionist:
Help with incorporating healthy eating behaviours into your everyday life.
General practitioner (could be your primary doctor or another doctor you trust):
Completes medical checks throughout the recovery journey
Tips for finding treatment specialists
Finding the right treatment specialist can feel overwhelming, but you're not alone. There are several ways to begin your search and connect with the support you need:
- Ask your GP or primary care doctor for a referral to someone experienced in treating eating disorders.
- Contact local hospitals or medical centres by phone, email, or through their website to ask about available mental health services.
- Reach out to a school counsellor, nurse, or student wellbeing officer who may be able to guide you to the right resources.
- Call an eating disorder helpline for advice and information on treatment options in your area.
- Join a local or online support group or forum where people often share recommendations for trusted professionals and services.
Taking the step to seek help is a sign of strength, and finding the right support can make a real difference in your recovery journey.
What your treatment plan may involve
After assembling your treatment team, your plan may include a variety of programs or approaches tailored to your individual needs. The table below outlines some common components that might be included in your treatment plan, depending on your personal circumstances and goals.
Individual or group therapy
Can help with addressing the problems contributing to your eating disorder. For example, individual or group therapy may help you improve your self-esteem and learn healthy ways to cope with stress or emotional pain.
Family therapy
Can help you and your family members explore how the eating disorder is impacting your relationships, as well as how certain family dynamics may be contributing to the eating disorder or hindering recovery.
Nutritional counseling
Can help with incorporating healthy eating behaviours into your everyday life, assisting you to develop a healthy relationship with food.
Medical monitoring
Can help ensure that your health is not in danger. May include frequent weigh-ins, blood tests and other health screenings.
Residential treatment
Sometimes, in rare circumstances, you may require more support than provided by outpatient care (services you can get that are not 24/7 care at a hospital or healthcare centre). In those circumstances, residential treatment programs offer around-the-clock care and monitoring to help you become stable enough to continue treatment at home later.
Step 3: Opening up to others
Talking about your experience with an eating disorder can feel incredibly difficult. It’s normal to have mixed emotions about opening up, but sharing your story with a trusted person is an important part of healing. Below are some tips that may help make the process more manageable.
- Create a safe space
Find a private, comfortable place with minimal distractions to help you talk freely and openly about your concerns and feelings.
When deciding who to open up to, it should be someone you trust who is supportive of your wellbeing. A family member, close friend, teacher or school counselor can be a great start.
- Starting the conversation
The first words can be the hardest. You might try saying something like:
“There’s something I need to share. It’s difficult for me to talk about, but it would mean a lot if you could listen.”
Once the conversation begins, you could explore your experience using these prompts:- When did I first notice changes in my eating habits?
- What thoughts or feelings were present at the time?
- Was I trying to gain control, feel better, or achieve something specific?
- Have I noticed any physical or emotional effects?
- How am I feeling now, both physically and mentally?
- Am I ready to take steps toward change?
- What kind of support would be helpful for me?
- What small steps am I open to taking right now?
Things to keep in mind
Not everyone will know what to say or how to react. Some people may feel confused, overwhelmed, or unsure of how to help. That doesn’t mean they don’t care. Try to give them space to process and be patient with their response.
If you’re worried about opening up to someone close to you, consider talking to a health professional first. They’re trained to respond with understanding and can support you in the next steps.
Peer Support Groups
Support groups bring together individuals who have shared similar experiences. These groups offer a safe, judgment-free environment to speak openly, feel understood, and receive encouragement. Many people find relief in knowing they’re not alone.
Support groups can be:
- Facilitated by trained professionals, like therapists
- Peer-led by people with lived experience
Online support communities are also available if you're not ready for in-person sessions.
How to find a support group
- Ask your doctor or therapist for a referral.
- Call or email local hospitals, healthcare facilities, and universities.
- Call or email local eating disorder centres and clinics.
- If you are still attending school, your school may have counselors who you may ask about support groups available in your area.
- Research online for online support groups, chat rooms, or forums.
- Contact Hotline Kesehatan Jiwa Kemenkes: 119 (press extension 8)
