Where can I get help?

[ComeBackWillyWillpower]

I've been bulimic for about 6 years and I can't stop, I've tried and tried but I just can't do it myself, it's ruining my life, I'm making myself ill, my hair is falling out, I have no energy and I have 4 kids to look after. I even did it through one of my pregnancies, I'm so ashamed. I went to the GP on Wed, she says there aren't any eating disorder clinics around out area but she's referred me to mental health and they will put me where I need to be, don't know how long that's gonna take.my family don't understand and think I can just stop if I want to, if only it was that simple, it's controlling me.

Eating disorder clinics are part of the mental health specialty so hopefully once you are referred your treatment options should be a bit clearer.

I googled my local eating disorder clinic and they have a list of useful links (that's a PDF), the top link is to b-eat, the national charity for people with eating disorders.

They have a help finder which may help you identify services in your area, and a treatment guide.

I'd imagine your family's reaction is not uncommon, although why anyone would think you would be making yourself throw up out of choice is beyond me.

You have taken the most important first step, though, which is seeking help. I see b-eat have a helpline and it might be worth calling just to get some emotional support whilst you wait for your referral. Don't be ashamed - you are trying to get better. Good luck.

Thank you, I looked at the help finder on b-eat last night and the one that showed up in my area isn't running anymore. It's not just the vomiting I've been using Epsom salts as a laxative as well, I've had enough now and can't cope anymore, I'm so miserable. The mental health referral will likely take weeks or months as there isn't a lot in my area.

Well done OP. Talking to your gp must have been very hard.
That was the first thing I did (in Feb) and now I find myself under secondary MH and see a psychiatrist, ED nurse, my GP, the nurse at the GP and see a psychologist next week. I will also see a dietician when I have made some progress.

My first MH assessment was pretty soon after my referral but once referred to secondary MH there was quite a long wait for the initial assessment by psychiatric nurse and ED nurse. Since then through I have been seen every two weeks or so.

Good luck. It's hard but recognising you can't do it by yourself is a step in the right direction.

Thank you Brave, hopefully I'll hear something soon. It's so consuming isn't it, takes over your life, I need to get well for not just me but my poor kids. Good luck with your recovery xx