What help is available for adults?

[Yuja]

I have always been quite restrictive with food, but it has got worse in the last year or so and I am very fearful of weight gain. I eat very minimally and if I think I have gained any weight at all I will hold back even more. I never ever eat anything that would be considered a treat, and I think about food at all the time. I am just over 50kg and 5 foot 6 so I think that is a BMI of around 18. I'm just about to turn 38 so not young. Thing is I am not really sure what to do about this. I think it's not a low enough weight to be bothering the GP with and they will have much more urgent cases to be dealing with. I do eat something every day. I know there is BEAT but I do not even know where to start in terms of contacting them.

Depends a bit on

• your illness ( some symptoms mean medical monitoring is essential)
• Your goals
• finances

ideally cbte or a similar evidence based psychological treatment (MANTRA for adults is another) would be available on the NHS for all who needed it for an eating disorder, but realistically the waiting lists are huge and only the severe
ly unwell are accessing anything much.

I would definitely see your GP as they should be able to do some basic monitoring to check you are safe. They will also know your local resources.

other options include

• contacting Beat, they have support available and lists of accredited treatment providers
• finding a local clinical psychologist specialising in eating disorders who is offering suitable therapy
• Using a private sector organisation like Orri

I would advise acting before things get worse - chance of recovery is much better the earlier treat,ent starts.
sending strength and good luck