It’s not uncommon for people to think a lot about food, exercise, or how they look. Sometimes, these thoughts and behaviours start with good intentions, like trying to eat healthier or get fitter. At first, the changes might feel positive, helping you feel more energised or in control.
But for some, the changes can start to feel overwhelming. You might notice you’re spending more time thinking about food or exercise than you want to, feeling stressed about sticking to certain ‘rules’, or avoiding social activities because of it. These can be signs of eating challenges.
Eating challenges, commonly referred to as ‘disordered eating’, can involve a wide range of thoughts, feelings, and patterns that can affect how you feel, socialise, and live your day-to-day life.
Keep in mind that experiencing any of the above isn’t your fault. These feelings and behaviours aren’t choices you’ve made; they’re part of how eating challenges can affect both your mind and body.
With time, support, and small steps, it’s possible to feel more in control and find balance again. You’re not alone in this.
Sometimes, eating challenges can develop into a type of eating disorder (ED) like anorexia nervosa, bulimia nervosa, or binge eating disorder.
EDs can have serious impacts on your mental and physical wellbeing. They can affect anyone regardless of age, gender, sexuality, cultural background, or body size.
Contrary to common myths and misconceptions surrounding EDs, there’s no single way to ‘look’ or be affected by EDs, which is why they can be difficult to recognise.
For example, EDs can look like:
For some, eating challenges and/or EDs can be a lifelong challenge. For others, they might only show up during times of stress.
No matter how long or in what way your eating challenges or ED shows up, your experience is valid and help is available.
Body image is how you see and feel about your body. It’s natural to sometimes compare yourself to others or wish you looked a certain way, but when these thoughts become overwhelming, they can start to affect how you feel about yourself and your relationship with food. In some cases, these feelings can contribute to eating challenges or EDs.
These feelings can also impact your confidence, relationships, and daily life. With so many unrealistic messages about appearance around us, it’s no surprise that these struggles are common. It may feel challenging, but it is possible to build a kinder, more positive relationship with your body.
Body dysmorphic disorder (BDD) is when you become intensely focused on perceived flaws in your appearance. These are flaws that often aren’t noticeable or may not even exist. The thoughts and feelings that come with BDD can take over daily life by affecting your self-esteem, relationships, and routines.
Signs of BDD may include:
Body obsession, on the other hand, involves an intense focus on achieving a specific body shape or look, often driven by societal ideals. This might mean fixating on weight loss, muscle gain, or meeting unrealistic beauty standards.
Both BDD and body obsession can cause frustration, low self-worth, and withdrawal from others.
It’s important to know these thoughts are not your fault, and support is available to help you feel more confident and free. Click here to learn more about BDD at Butterfly's website.
Matt's story of holding on to hope through depression, anxiety, and a suicide attempt that left him wheelchair-bound.
Eating challenges and EDs often overlap with mental health challenges like anxiety, depression, or low self-esteem. These struggles can shape behaviours around food, exercise, or appearance as a way to cope with difficult emotions.
How mental health can influence eating behaviours:
While these behaviours might feel like they help in the moment, they can become hard to manage over time. In fact, they may intensify the very feelings they were meant to relieve. For example, restricting food to ease anxiety can lead to fatigue or irritability, which might make the anxiety worse.
These behaviours are not about vanity or lack of willpower. They’re often linked to deeper emotional struggles. Recognising this connection is a meaningful step toward understanding what’s really going on and exploring ways to feel better.
For free and confidential counselling for EDs and body image concerns, you can contact Butterfly's National Helpline 1800 ED HOPE (1800 33 4673), chat online, or email support@butterfly.org.au. It’s available 7 days a week, 8am-midnight (AEST/AEDT).
In this topic, you’ll find information and resources that can help you find understanding, hope, and support options that feel right for you.
Learn about:
Thinking about changing any type of habit or routine can feel scary. It’s natural if you’re feeling hesitant or stressed right now. But remember, talking to someone you trust about what you’re going through or seeking professional support can make a big difference.
With the right care, you can absolutely live a healthy and fulfilling life. The fact that you’re here is something you should already be really proud of.
You don't have to face this alone.
Eating challenges and EDs can lead to thoughts, feelings, and behaviours related to suicide.
If you're feeling overwhelmed or in crisis, you can connect with Lifeline 24 hours a day, 7 days a week via 13 11 14, text, and chat. We’re here to listen to whatever it is you’re going through.
Eating challenges (disordered eating) and eating disorders (EDs) can show up differently for everyone. They might start with small changes in habits or patterns and gradually have a bigger impact on your mental, physical, and emotional wellbeing.
By learning to spot the signs and understanding how you might be being impacted, you’re taking a meaningful step toward seeking support for yourself or someone you care about.
On this page, you’ll find information on:
Scroll down to learn more and take the first step toward understanding and support.
It’s not always easy to recognise patterns that come from eating challenges or EDs, and that’s okay.
The signs can be subtle, gradual, or mistaken for other habits or behaviours. It’s natural to feel unsure or overwhelmed when trying to understand what’s happening, but noticing these patterns is an important step toward making sense of your experience or supporting someone else.
Below are some common signs you can look out for.
Eating disorders can show up differently in kids and young people than they do in adults, which can make the signs harder to spot. Young people might not have the words to explain how they’re feeling, so their struggles often come through in other ways, like changes in behaviour, physical health, or emotions.
Recognising these signs can help you understand when a child or young person might be struggling and could need support.
Physical signs
Behavioural signs
Emotional signs
It’s natural to feel unsure about whether these behaviours mean something deeper is going on. Trust your instincts; if something feels off, it’s worth reaching out and starting a gentle conversation. The earlier someone feels seen and supported, the sooner they can begin to feel better.
For more advice about starting a conversation, you can read our support guide on how to talk to someone about their mental health.
Eating challenges and EDs often involve patterns that feel difficult to break, like a strong focus on controlling food, exercise, or body image. While these patterns might offer a sense of relief or control in the moment, they can become overwhelming and take a toll on your health and wellbeing.
It’s important to know that these struggles aren’t about willpower. They’re often linked to underlying emotions or stress that can keep you feeling stuck in a cycle of addiction.
Eating disorders can affect every part of life, far beyond food and weight. They can take a toll on your body in ways that may not always be obvious at first. Over time, these thoughts, feelings, and patterns can impact your overall wellbeing, making everyday life feel harder to manage.
Recognising how these effects show up in your life can help you understand what your body might need to feel supported and stronger again.
Below, you can read about some of the ways eating challenges and EDs can impact your health, wellbeing, and social life.
These physical effects can often feel overwhelming, but it’s important to remember that they are signals from your body, not failures. With the right care and support, many of these changes can be addressed, helping your body to heal and regain strength.
It’s important to remember you’re not alone and these feelings don’t define who you are. With the right support, it’s possible to navigate these emotions and take steps toward feeling better.
Connecting with others and rebuilding relationships might feel challenging, but it’s absolutely possible. Keep in mind that it’s just as important to work on the relationship you have with yourself.
You can learn more about self-esteem and mental health by clicking here.
Eating challenges and EDs are often closely tied to mental health challenges like anxiety, depression, or post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). These challenges can overlap (a concept called ‘comorbidity’) and often influence each other, creating a cycle that feels difficult to break. For example, anxiety might lead to controlling food to feel calmer, but the restriction itself can intensify anxiety over time.
For many, the cycle of disordered eating can feel similar to addiction. Behaviours like binge eating, restricting, or purging may bring a sense of relief or control in the moment, but over time, they become hard to stop, even when you want to. This can leave you feeling stuck and unsure how to move forward.
While EDs and addictions aren’t exactly the same, they share many similarities, including how they affect your emotions, thoughts, and behaviours. Understanding these connections can make it easier to approach recovery with compassion.
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On the eating and body image causes page, you can read about some of the factors and influences that can lead to eating challenges and EDs.
Healing often involves addressing both the behaviours and the emotions driving them with the right support and tools to help you break the cycle.
Lifeline is here for you
Eating challenges and EDs can lead to thoughts, feelings, and behaviours related to suicide.
If you're feeling overwhelmed or in crisis, you can connect with Lifeline 24 hours a day, 7 days a week via 13 11 14, text, and chat. We’re here to listen to whatever it is you’re going through.
Navigating our relationship with food, eating, and exercise can be complex.
Whether you’re seeking to understand your own experiences or support someone else, this guide aims to provide clarity, connection, and a pathway to support.
On this page, you'll find information on the different types of eating challenges and eating disorders.
Scroll down to learn more.
No two eating disorders are the same. No two individuals are the same. No two paths to recovery are the same. But everyone’s strength to reach recovery is the same.
Not all eating challenges (disordered eating) fit into a specific eating disorder (ED) category, but they can still cause distress and impact daily life. Recognising these patterns is an important step towards building a healthier relationship with food and your body.
Signs of eating challenges may include:
You deserve support.
Eating challenges can take a toll on energy, mood, relationships, and physical health over time. If you notice these patterns in yourself, help is available. You can contact Butterfly’s National Helpline 1800 ED HOPE (1800 33 4673) or explore InsideOut’s Digital Therapies.
If those don’t feel like options for you right now, you can always contact Lifeline. We’re here to listen to whatever you might be going through 24 hours a day, 7 days a week via 13 11 14, text, and chat.
Eating disorders can look very different from person to person.
Some involve eating too little, others too much, and many include a mix of behaviours like restricting, bingeing, or purging. It’s also common to experience overlapping symptoms that don’t fit neatly into one category. While each ED has its own challenges, all of them can affect both physical and mental wellbeing.
Below, we’ve listed the most recognised types of EDs. Understanding the different types can help make sense of what you or someone you care about might be going through.
Binge eating disorder (BED) is the most common ED, however, an estimated 80% of people aren’t diagnosed.
BED involves regularly eating large amounts of food quickly, often feeling unable to stop, even when not hungry. These episodes may lead to physical discomfort and emotions like guilt, shame, or sadness afterwards. Unlike other EDs, binge eating isn’t followed by behaviours like purging.
Signs of BED may include:
Anorexia nervosa (AN) is an eating disorder where you restrict your food intake, leading to a body weight that’s unhealthily low for your age, gender, and health needs.
AN often comes with an intense fear of gaining weight, even when weight is already very low, and can involve seeing your body differently from how others do.
Signs of AN may include:
Bulimia nervosa (BN) involves a pattern of binge eating (eating large amounts of food in a short time) followed by purging (getting rid of the food through vomiting, laxatives, engaging in a binge-starve-binge cycle, or over-exercising).
Signs of BN may include:
Other specified feeding and eating disorders (OSFED) refers to EDs that cause significant distress or impact daily life but don’t meet the full criteria for specific conditions like anorexia or bulimia.
This category includes patterns such as atypical anorexia (significant weight loss but within a normal range), bulimia, or binge eating with less frequent episodes, purging without bingeing, and night eating syndrome.
While these behaviours may not fit into traditional diagnoses, they are serious and deserve support and attention.
Understanding the different types of eating challenges and EDs is an important step toward making sense of your own experiences or supporting someone you care about.
If you’d like to explore more about eating challenges, visit other pages in the toolkit for guidance on managing triggers and finding long-term help.
To learn more about the different types of eating disorders, visit trusted organisations like Butterfly or the InsideOut Institute, where you’ll find detailed information and resources tailored to your needs.
Wherever you are in your journey, support is always available and you don’t have to face this alone.
Click here to download, save, or print our eating and body image fact sheet.
If you’re experiencing eating challenges (disordered eating) or an eating disorder (ED), it’s not your fault. These thoughts, feelings, and patterns often show up as a way to cope with underlying emotions like frustration, self-doubt, or hopelessness.
You might experience eating challenges or an ED as a way to:
While these patterns may seem like they’re keeping you safe or functioning, they can also leave you feeling stuck or drained. It’s important to remember this: you are not your thoughts.
Below, you can learn about some of the common biological, emotional, and social influences that can lead to eating challenges and EDs.
Dieting is one of the strongest predictors of the development of an eating disorder.
The strict and restrictive nature of many diets can leave you feeling hungry, deprived, and frustrated. While you might try to ignore these feelings at first, the deprivation can build over time and lead to intense food cravings.
This can sometimes result in eating large amounts of food in response, which may leave you feeling guilty or like you’ve failed. These emotions can create a negative and overwhelming cycle, making food and eating feel stressful or shameful.
In today’s world, where everything is so accessible and immediate, there’s a cultural shift toward valuing instant gratification. It’s completely understandable to want quick results; this is something many of us have been conditioned to expect. But managing weight safely for health reasons can feel even harder when the desire for immediate change pushes us toward unsustainable or unhealthy behaviours.
To learn more about the connection between eating disorders and dieting, you can visit the National Eating Disorders Collaboration (NEDC) website.
Eating challenges and EDs are complex, and there’s rarely one single cause. If any of the above resonates with you, know that your experiences are valid, and support is always available.
Misunderstandings about eating challenges and EDs can make it harder to recognise what you’re going through or feel supported when reaching out for help.
Busting these myths can help you and those around you better understand the challenges of EDs and how to approach them with compassion.
Truth: Eating disorders can affect anyone, no matter their age, gender, or background. If you’re struggling, it doesn’t matter who you are; you deserve support.
Truth: Eating disorders are about so much more than what someone eats or how they look. They’re often tied to deeper struggles like trying to cope with overwhelming emotions or dealing with difficult experiences.
Truth: Eating disorders don’t have a ‘look’. You can’t always tell what someone is going through based on their weight or appearance. People of all shapes and sizes can experience serious challenges.
Truth: Eating disorders are complex conditions that affect both your body and your mind. Without treatment, they can lead to serious health risks. They deserve to be taken seriously.
Truth: You don’t choose to have an eating disorder. They develop from a mix of biological, emotional, and social/cultural influences. It’s important to approach yourself with kindness, not blame.
Truth: Recovery isn’t just about food. It’s about healing the emotions, beliefs, and patterns that go with the eating disorder. Learning to eat again is just one part of the journey.
Truth: Eating disorders are painful and serious struggles, not a way to seek attention. Your feelings are valid, and you deserve understanding, not judgement.
Truth: Recovery is absolutely possible. It might take time and patience, but with the right support, you can find a healthier and more peaceful relationship with food and yourself.
Remember, recognising and challenging these myths is a step toward understanding yourself with more compassion and hope. You’re not alone, and support is always available.
Exploring ways to manage eating challenges (disordered eating), eating disorders (EDs), and/or body image struggles is a meaningful step towards feeling more supported and in control.
It’s normal for things to feel overwhelming or unclear right now, but you don’t have to face it all at once. This page is here to offer simple, practical strategies to help you feel more grounded in the moment while guiding you to the information and support that’s right for you.
On this page, you’ll find information on:
Scroll down to learn more.
If you’re feeling distressed or unsure where to start, a grounding technique can help you return to the present moment. The 5 senses technique, for example, can help you feel more connected to your surroundings, ease intense emotions, and take your focus off racing thoughts or physical sensations.
Whether you’re feeling stressed during a meal, overwhelmed by body image thoughts, or struggling with urges, this technique is a simple and accessible tool to help you find calm. It’s something you can use anytime, anywhere, to feel more grounded and supported.
Some days, you might feel ready to take on the world. On other days, simply getting out of bed can feel impossible. However you’re feeling, it’s okay.
Having a few simple go-to strategies can help you feel calmer, in control, and better equipped to face eating challenges and EDs. Below, you can explore practical techniques designed to support you wherever you are.
Keep in mind that everyone is different, so what works for someone else might not work for you. The main thing is to keep experimenting until you find what feels right.
When stress or anxiety feels all-consuming, whether during a meal, after a triggering comment, or in moments of self-doubt, deep breathing can help ease both physical and emotional tension. It slows your heart rate, calms your mind, and makes it easier to face overwhelming thoughts.
How to do box breathing:
Try it now: Use our guided box breathing video to practise this calming technique.
If thoughts about food, body image, or emotions feel overwhelming, mindfulness and meditation can help. These practices help you learn to focus on the present moment, like the rhythm of your breath, the sensations in your body, or the world around you to ease feelings of stress or anxiety.
Tips for getting started with mindfulness and meditation:
These small moments of mindfulness can help you build a more compassionate relationship with your thoughts and emotions. Over time, they may become a valuable tool for finding balance and support as you navigate your healing journey.
When you’re stuck in cycles of guilt, fear, or overwhelm around food, exercise, or your body, pausing to ask, ‘What do I need right now?’ can help.
Self check-ins create a moment to reflect on what’s beneath the surface and respond to your needs with kindness, rather than reacting from a place of habit or distress.
Here’s how self-check-ins can support you:
Treat self check-ins as a way to care for yourself, the same way you would for a friend. They can be a powerful tool for navigating challenging moments.
When it feels like you’re carrying your struggles alone, sharing how you’re feeling can lighten the load. Eating challenges and EDs thrive in isolation, so reaching out to someone (like a friend, family member, teacher, or helpline like Lifeline or Butterfly) can remind you that you’re not alone.
Opening up might feel intimidating, but it’s not about finding the ‘perfect’ words. It’s about starting the conversation.
Here are some ideas:
If talking face-to-face feels too hard, consider writing down your thoughts in a note or text message. Writing can help organise your feelings and make sharing them a little easier.
Click here to learn more about the benefits of talking to someone you trust.
Gentle distractions or acts of self-care can be especially helpful when distressing thoughts about food or body image take over. They provide a break from the cycle of worry and create a sense of safety and control during difficult moments.
Ideas to try:
Self-care doesn’t need to be perfect or complicated. The goal is to find what feels comforting and supportive for you in the moment.
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Coping strategies like these aren’t about solving everything all at once. They’re about creating moments of relief and reclaiming a sense of control.
Every time you pause to care for yourself, you’re making meaningful progress, even if it doesn’t feel that way right now.
Lifeline is here for you.
Eating challenges and EDs can lead to thoughts, feelings, and behaviours related to suicide.
If you're feeling overwhelmed or in crisis, you can connect with Lifeline 24 hours a day, 7 days a week via 13 11 14, text, and chat. We’re here to listen to whatever it is you’re going through.
Reflecting on your relationship with food, your body, and your emotions can be an important step in understanding your needs. Online tools, like self-assessments from InsideOut, offer a gentle, non-judgemental way to explore what might be going on and identify areas where you’d like support.
These assessments can help you uncover patterns and gain insight into your experiences, offering clarity on the types of support or guidance that could feel right for you. Noticing the situations, emotions, or moments that make things feel harder can help you make sense of your experiences and find ways to respond with kindness and care.
Keep in mind that awareness isn’t about blame or self-judgement. It’s about creating space to gently explore what’s happening beneath the surface. By reflecting on your triggers, you might begin to uncover patterns that offer clarity and show you where support or boundaries could help.
Triggers are anything that can intensify difficult thoughts, feelings, or behaviours. They might be specific situations, emotions, or even small everyday moments.
Common triggers include:
Remember - recognising your triggers is about building awareness so you can approach them with self-compassion and feel more prepared to manage them.
Once clear on what your potential triggers are, you can start to think of what you can do to feel calm and in control. Having a plan like the one below is a great way to anticipate difficult situations, recognise how they might affect you, and have strategies ready to navigate them.
Boundaries are personal limits that protect your emotional, mental, and physical wellbeing. They’re not about pushing people away but about creating space to focus on what you need to feel supported and safe. They can also help others understand how you’d like to be supported.
Here are some examples to consider:
Conversations about dieting, weight, or body image can be triggering. Setting boundaries around these topics can help create a safer space.
You can say:
Mealtimes can feel overwhelming, especially when emotions around eating are heightened. Controlling your environment can reduce pressure and help you focus on your needs.
You can say:
Focusing on your wellbeing takes emotional and mental energy, and it’s okay to step back from others’ needs while you take care of yourself.
You can say:
Practising how to express your boundaries with a trusted friend, or even in front of a mirror, can help you feel more confident. It’s normal to feel nervous at first, but the more you practise, the easier it will become.
For more tips on building confidence and protecting your mental health, check out our article on self-esteem. To learn more about managing eating concerns and EDs in the long term, head to our long-term help page.
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Healing can feel messy at times, but treating yourself with kindness can ease the journey. Self-compassion means offering yourself the same care and understanding you’d show a friend.
If it feels right, try to:
Every act of kindness toward yourself is a step toward greater self-acceptance and peace.
It’s important to remember that you don’t have to face this journey by yourself. There are people who have been in your shoes, who understand the challenges you’re going through, and who want to help you feel supported and heard.
Butterfly is a leading organisation in Australia offering free, confidential support for people experiencing eating challenges, an ED, or body image struggles. Their trained counsellors provide a safe space to share what you’re feeling and help you navigate your next steps.
Whether you need someone to listen to what you're going through, information about eating disorders, or guidance to connect with the right services, Butterfly can help.
If Butterfly doesn’t feel right for you, you can always contact Lifeline. We’re here to support you with understanding and compassion, no matter where you are in your journey. You are never alone in this. There is help, and there is hope.
Click here to learn more about what to expect when contacting Lifeline.
Click here to download, save, or print our eating and body image fact sheet.
Eating challenges (disordered eating) and eating disorders (EDs) can make you feel stuck in a cycle where emotions, triggers, and behaviours seem impossible to escape. It’s completely understandable to feel unsure about what to do next.
While coping strategies like grounding techniques and self-care can offer relief in the moment, there are many things you can do to help you manage in the long term.
Below, you’ll find ideas to help you take those steps at your own pace, focusing on self-compassion and growth along the way.
When it comes to healing in the long term, having people you trust in your corner can make a world of difference. Friends, family, or even colleagues can provide encouragement, understanding, and practical help during challenging times.
Here are a few ways to strengthen your support network:
It’s okay to lean on others while focusing on your own growth. Support is a two-way street, and you’re worth it. Click here to learn more about building strong social connections.
Continue reading for more tips.
Our daily habits shape how we feel, think, and care for ourselves. When it comes to eating challenges, EDs, and body image, even small, positive changes can make a big difference over time. Building habits that support your wellbeing isn’t about getting it ‘right’ every time; it’s about finding routines that feel sustainable and help you feel calm, in control, and confident.
Here are some habits to explore at your own pace:
Morning
Set a positive tone for the day by reflecting on a supportive thought or intention. This might sound like:
These simple affirmations can help you focus on growth and self-compassion as you move through your day.
Evening
Take a moment at the end of each day to write down one to three things you feel grateful for related to your healing.
This might include:
Over time, this practice can help you notice progress in meaningful ways.
Establishing a routine for meals and snacks can create a sense of stability, helping your body and mind feel more supported.
How regular meal times can help:
How to get started:
If you find it hard to establish regular meal times, that’s okay. This process takes time, and you don’t need to get it perfect. Over time, consistent eating can help your body feel more stable, reduce stress, and support your healing.
Body-positive activities are small, intentional actions that help you connect with your body in supportive and compassionate ways. These practices help you learn to appreciate what your body does for you and treat it with the care it deserves.
Here are some ways to get started:
Over time, these activities can help shift your focus from self-criticism to self-appreciation, fostering a more positive and nurturing relationship with your body.
Social media can sometimes amplify feelings of self-doubt or comparison, especially when it comes to body image, eating challenges, and EDs.
Taking a step back from scrolling and replacing that time with a new, supportive habit can help you feel more grounded, reduce stress, and create space for activities that truly nurture your wellbeing.
Ideas for new habits to try:
Even small changes in how you spend your time can have a big impact on your mental health and overall wellbeing. By swapping social media for habits that bring joy or relaxation, you’re prioritising yourself in ways that truly matter.
Our relationship with food and exercise is personal, and it’s common for it to feel complicated at times. Recognising patterns that support your wellbeing and those that might be making things harder can help you create habits that feel healthier and more sustainable.
This isn’t about judgement or striving for perfection. It’s about building awareness of how certain actions impact your physical and emotional wellbeing, so you can better understand what feels right for you.
Below, you’ll find examples of both healthy and unhealthy eating and exercise behaviours. These aren’t rules but tools to help you reflect on your own experiences and consider areas where you might want to focus your energy and care.
Eating
Exercise
Click here to download InsideOut’s Fact Sheet on Healthy vs Unhealthy Behaviours.
Eating
Exercise
Click here to download InsideOut’s Fact Sheet on Healthy vs Unhealthy Behaviours.
Keeping track of calories, weight, or exercise stats can feel like a way to stay in control, but over time, it can often lead to feelings of anxiety, self-criticism, or fixation.
Letting go of tracking might feel challenging at first, but it can help you focus on how you feel, not what the numbers say.
Here are some tips to help you take that step:
If this feels especially difficult, reaching out to a counsellor or a support group can give you guidance and encouragement. You’re not alone, and it’s okay to ask for help as you explore healthier ways of caring for yourself.
Healing can feel overwhelming and isolating. But hearing from others who have struggled, found support, and slowly rebuilt their lives can be a powerful reminder that recovery is possible.
Below, you can listen to the InsideOut Institute Podcast episodes featuring Jenny, Sabeena, and Sarah - three people with different journeys but a common thread of resilience. Jenny lived with an eating disorder for 50 years before finding the right support. Sabeena’s story weaves through trauma, addiction, and self-discovery. Sarah, once trapped in compulsive exercise, is now an exercise physiologist who helps others heal their relationship with movement.
Alongside these lived experiences, leading experts provide insight into the complex nature of eating disorders and recovery. Dietitian Fiona Sutherland explores how mindful eating can help break free from diet culture and support lasting healing. Clinical psychologist Dr Sophie Reid unpacks the deep connection between trauma and disordered eating. And Sarah shares practical ways to rebuild a balanced relationship with movement.
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There are many treatment options available to support eating challenges, EDs, and body image struggles. Finding the right one depends on your needs and comfort level.
There’s no one-size-fits-all approach to therapy. Different techniques work for different people, and that’s completely okay. Finding the right fit might take time, but it’s worth exploring.
Here are three types of therapies that may help with your recovery:
Therapy can be adapted to meet your unique needs, and it’s okay to explore different options until you find one that feels right for you.
Click here to read our article about finding the therapist that’s right for you.
You can also consider speaking with a dietician or GP.
A dietician can provide guidance on balanced eating in a supportive, non-judgemental way, while a GP can offer guidance and a Mental Health Treatment Plan.
If you’re feeling stuck or unsure how to move forward, speaking to your GP can be a great starting point. They can help you explore options for ongoing support, including creating a Mental Health Treatment Plan.
A Mental Health Treatment Plan is a personalised plan that your GP develops with you. It can provide access to Medicare-subsidised sessions with mental health professionals, such as psychologists, dietitians, or counsellors, who specialise in areas like eating challenges, body image, and emotional wellbeing.
If you feel nervous about the conversation, you don’t need to have everything figured out beforehand. Just sharing how you’ve been feeling is a meaningful first step. Your GP is there to listen and help guide you toward the support that feels right for you.
Click here for more details about Mental Health Treatment Plans and how they work.
Online therapies can be a great starting point, especially if you’re unsure about seeking in-person help or looking for additional support alongside other treatments.
These therapies often provide evidence-based strategies, like cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT), to help you understand and change unhelpful thoughts, feelings, and patterns.
Benefits of online therapies:
One resource to explore is InsideOut Digital Therapies, which offers free online therapy programs tailored to individuals experiencing eating concerns or eating disorders. These programs are designed to guide you through structured, self-paced sessions that focus on developing healthier ways of thinking and coping.
Support groups can be a valuable resource for navigating eating concerns or EDs. These groups provide a safe, understanding space where you can connect with others who share similar experiences.
Whether online or in-person, support groups can offer benefits like:
ED recovery apps like Recovery Record are designed to provide structure and encouragement, helping you build healthier habits, track your progress, and feel more supported as you navigate your healing journey.
Recovery Record can help you:
Recovery apps are not a replacement for professional care, but they can complement your efforts and help you stay connected to your goals. Click here to explore more tools and apps that may help with your healing.
Recovery Record, alongside my family and treatment team, is the main thing that kept me on track, motivated, honest, and excited about recovery.
Healing can feel slow at times, but every step forward, no matter how small, is meaningful. Staying motivated often means focusing on what truly matters to you and recognising the progress you’re making along the way.
Taking steps toward long-term healing can feel challenging at times, but it’s important to remember that support is always available. Whether it’s exploring tools and apps designed to help with eating challenges and body image or reaching out to services like Butterfly or InsideOut, there are resources to guide you every step of the way.
If you’re looking for practical ways to support your journey, visit our tools and apps page for a range of helpful resources. For personalised guidance and connection to professional support, explore our support services page.
No matter where you are right now, help is here, and there’s hope for a healthier, more balanced future.
Click here to download, save, or print our eating and body image fact sheet.
Below, you’ll find tools like online learning programs, forums, wellbeing apps, and podcast episodes that can help you wherever you are in your healing journey.
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Below, you’ll find support services that offer information, counselling, and referrals to local services in your area.
Use the Lifeline Service Finder to search for more local and national services available to help support you.
Supporting someone who’s experiencing eating challenges (disordered eating) or an eating disorder (ED) can feel overwhelming.
It’s natural to feel a range of emotions like worry, frustration, confusion, guilt, and hopelessness. It’s also natural to not know how to help or what to say. But your presence can make a real difference, especially if you reach out early. Even if it’s not early, taking the step to start a conversation or learn more shows how much you care, and that alone can mean so much.
Keep in mind that the information on this page is for you just as much as it is for the person you’re worried about. Being in any sort of carer role can affect your own mental and emotional wellbeing, which is why it’s so important to prioritise your own needs. When you do, you’re better able to provide meaningful and sustainable support for the person you’re worried about.
Supporting someone through eating challenges or an ED isn’t about ‘fixing it’ for them. It’s about being there in a way that feels safe, compassionate, and steady.
Below, you can explore practical ways to offer thoughtful, effective support.
The C.A.R.E. framework, which stands for Connect, Ask, Remind, Empower, offers a simple way to express care, quickly build trust, and safely connect with someone who’s experiencing the distressing emotions that can come with eating challenges and EDs.
To learn more about C.A.R.E. or for more conversation tips, read our guide on how to talk to someone about their mental health.
The words you use can make a big difference. Supportive language can help the person you care about feel safe and understood while reducing feelings of shame or isolation.
You can say things like:
Try to avoid:
Focusing on understanding rather than solutions can help the person you care about feel more comfortable opening up.
Empathy involves deeply understanding and sharing another person’s feelings, which can be more comforting and feel more authentic than sympathy.
To show empathy, you might say something like ‘I understand why you’re hurting so much right now’ or share your own experiences in a way that supports the way the other person is feeling, rather than shifts the focus away.
Below, you can watch a helpful video that explains the difference between empathy and sympathy.
Everyone’s journey is unique, and the type of support they need may differ from what you expect. It’s okay if the person you care about might not be ready to accept help right now. Staying present, respecting where they’re at, and letting them know you’re there is important and can still go a long way.
Sometimes, simply listening without judgement and offering a calm, empathetic presence is enough to provide reassurance.
Your care matters deeply, but eating concerns and EDs often require professional help. If it feels right, you can gently encourage the person you care about to connect with a GP, counsellor, or helpline like Butterfly.
For example, you can say:
You can find services like the Butterfly National Helpline (1800 ED HOPE) or search local options with the Lifeline Service Finder. Alternatively, you can send them a link to our eating and body image topic, which can help guide them to the type of support they’re looking for.
When you notice changes in someone’s behaviour, it can be easy to jump to conclusions or feel unsure about what to say. Instead of making assumptions, try observing the person you care about’s actions with care and curiosity.
Gently raising your concerns shows that you’ve noticed something is different and that you care without making the person feel judged or defensive.
For example, you could say: ‘I’ve noticed you seem stressed about meals lately. I’m here to support you if you’d like to talk.’
This approach creates a safe space for them to share their feelings, letting them know they’re not alone and that help is available. It’s not about solving the problem, but showing that you’re there.
Healing can be a long road. Your consistent and non-judgemental encouragement during challenging moments can help the person you care about stay motivated. If you try to constantly monitor someone’s eating habits or behaviours, it might make the other person pull away.
Instead, focus on strengthening your relationship by:
Remember, it’s not your job to ‘fix’ anyone.
Healing and recovering from an ED can leave the person you're supporting feeling exhausted and overwhelmed, making everyday tasks feel unmanageable. Offering practical help can be one of the most meaningful ways you can provide support and show you care.
This could look like:
Your ongoing assistance and support can make a significant difference in their daily life.
Self-care can feel challenging for someone navigating eating challenges or an ED. They might feel undeserving of care or struggle to know where to start. Gently encouraging self-care reminds them that their wellbeing matters and that small, nourishing actions can make a difference.
Examples of self-care to explore:
These small moments of care can help the person you care about reconnect with themselves and create a sense of safety and balance. Even the smallest act, like drinking a glass of water or taking a few minutes to pause, is meaningful.
Taking time to understand what the person you care about might be experiencing can reduce feelings of helplessness and build connection, as well as help you respond to needs with care and empathy.
You can:
By equipping yourself with knowledge, you’re taking an important step toward providing thoughtful, informed support that can make a real difference in their healing.
It’s normal to second-guess yourself when you notice changes in someone’s behaviour or habits, especially when the signs are subtle.
You might wonder if you’re overreacting or whether it’s your place to say something. Eating challenges and EDs can show up in many ways, and everyone’s experience is unique.
Common signs can include:
If you’re concerned about a child or teenager, visit our signs and effects of eating challenges and EDs page for age-specific insights.
It’s natural to put your own needs last when you’re focused on someone else, but taking care of yourself is essential to avoid burnout and protect your mental health.
Ways to recharge and stay resilient:
You deserve care and kindness just as much as the person you’re supporting. By allowing yourself time to recharge, you’ll show up for them with renewed energy and focus.
Scroll down for more tips on looking after yourself as a carer.
Supporting someone through eating challenges or an ED can bring up a mix of feelings, from hope and love to frustration and worry. These emotions are valid, and it’s important to take time to process them.
Ways to manage your feelings:
Boundaries protect your emotional wellbeing and make your support sustainable. They’re not about pushing someone away but about recognising your limits and communicating them with care.
You can try setting boundaries like:
Setting boundaries ensures you can continue offering support without feeling overwhelmed or taking on too much responsibility.
You don’t have to do this alone. There are services and resources specifically designed for carers of people with eating concerns or EDs:
Reaching out for support isn’t a sign of weakness. It’s a way to stay strong and resilient for the person you care about.
Your presence, patience, and compassion mean so much, even if it doesn’t always feel like enough.
By taking care of yourself, you’re building a foundation of strength that benefits both you and the person you care about. Remember, support isn’t about having all the answers. It’s about showing up, staying consistent, and offering kindness along the way.
Click here to download, save, or print our eating and body image fact sheet.
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