FAQ

Q ”I think I may have an eating disorder, what should I do?”

A “Go to someone that you trust and talk to them about it. Eating disorders thrive on secrecy and it’s important that you can be honest about what is happening. An eating disorder is an illness like any other and it is nothing to be ashamed of. When you feel ready, seek help from someone who is experienced at dealing with and understanding eating disorders. Groups like First Steps are full of people at varying stages of recovery who can understand what you are going through and help you to recover. All of our staff and volunteers have their own experience of eating disorders and no live a life not controlled by food – recovery IS possible.”
 
·         Acknowledge that eating difficulties and disorders can destroy lives
·         Take responsibility for your own recovery.
·         Understand that you are not alone; seek professional help
·         Speak to people with personal experience by attending self help sessions.
·         Stop comparing yourself to others.
·         Strive to recognize that you are a unique and valuable person.
·         Turn to people, not food, for support.
·         Learn to enjoy being in your own skin. Take part in activities such as dance, swimming and biking.
·         Have compassion for yourself by accepting that you are human and not perfect.
 
Q ”Can I get pregnant if I have an eating disorder?”
 
A “Having an Eating Disorder can affect your fertility, and the longer you have an Eating Disorder, the higher the risk that you will face some type of fertility problems. Although eating disorders can affect your fertility, it IS possible to get pregnant if you have an eating disorder. We would urge you to seek support to look after your emotional and physical needs and those of your child. Pregnancy can sometimes be a trigger for eating disorders and it is important that you seek help and support as soon as possible.
 
Q “What are the recovery rates for people with eating disorders?”
 
A “Effective treatment in the early stages of the illness (less than 3 years in) leads to a good outcome in 90% of cases by 5 years. The most important indication of a good outcome is not whether a target weight within a normal range is achieved, but whether it can be maintained after treatment. There is a higher chance of relapse if the focus is simply on weight change rather than the underlying causes. The medical consequences can be reversed by weight gain or weight loss. The duration of an eating disorder is variable, but the average is 5-6 years. There is good evidence supporting the importance of early intervention for eating distress.
 
It is never too late to recover and no one should ever give up hope. Recovery can happen in people who have had their eating disorder for over 30 years. It is however also the case that chances of recovery are greatly improved the earlier the illness is treated.
 
If you have any other questions that you would like answering, please do not hesitate to contact us.