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Eating Disorders


Eating disorders are far from being just about weight. Just as people come in all shapes, sizes and guises, so do eating disorders. The reasons for developing an eating disorder are multifactorial and hardly ever clear cut. An eating disorder might develop as a way of controlling something when everything else in life seems out of control; it might be an analgesic, another focus to detract from more painful emotional problems; a coping mechanism for a difficult time (e.g. moving away from home); a way to deal with depression; or a reaction to abuse. The common denominator is that eating is used to cope with complex emotional and psychological stresses. This coping strategy can quickly go too far to the extent that it takes priority over everything else and affects the individuals daily functioning, personal relationships and their health.

The first step towards dealing with an eating disorder is to admit yourself that there is a problem that you cannot expect to overcome without the support and help of others. The second step is to discuss your feelings with someone you trust and then make a decision about whether you want to change. You can talk to your GP, so that they can assess your situation and refer you to an appropriate source of help. Be as honest as possible, don’t be afraid of asking for what you want, you will be taken seriously.

To talk things through with someone:

Student Health Service
Hampton House Health Centre, St Michael’s Hill, Cotham, Bristol BS6 6AU
Tel: 0117 330 2720

Ros Forge, Student Advice Service
39-41 St Michael’s Hill
Tel: 0117 331 1848
Email: med-support@bristol.ac.uk

Galenicals Welfare
Email: welfare@galenicals.org.uk

UBU Welfare Advisors:
Steffi Bednarek steffi.bednarek@bristol.ac.uk (Mon, Tues, Weds) (0117) 3313521
Noreen Daniels (Thurs – Fri) noreen.daniels@bristol.ac.uk (0117) 954 5889

For more information see:

Worried about relapse or struggling with a long-standing eating disorder?

Many sufferers are diagnosed with and treated for their eating disorder in their teens i.e. before coming to university. Stressful situations such as starting university, moving home or the stress of the course may exacerbate an eating disorder or lead to a relapse. Please don’t feel alone and don’t give up. Try to recognise the signs that mean you perhaps need more support than you are currently receiving. See a doctor at Student Health or contact one of the support sources listed above.

Worried about a friend?

As many people with eating disorders are in denial, they may become easily angered if you confront them about your fears so it is important to choose your words wisely.

  • Be caring and tell them that you are worried about them and that won’t stop.
  • Don’t force them to do anything.
  • Don’t become angry with them for not eating.
  • Suggest that you’d be happy to come with them to a doctor’s appointment (and maybe wait in the waiting room).
  • It is important not to comment on their body image: for example telling they are looking good or telling them that they look awful as a consequence of not eating. This will probably encourage them to take further action.
  • This also applies to food – it is unhelpful to comment on the amount that they have eaten, particularly if it is more than they usually eat.
  • The most important thing is that you make them aware that you are there for them should they want to talk.
  • When they do want to talk: be prepared to give time to listen, try and encourage talk about feelings and not food.
  • Accept that character changes are a part of the illness, and what sufferers need most is friendship and help.
  • Look after yourself. Supporting someone with an eating disorder can be hard work – make sure you have support yourself. Contact any of the uni support services listed above if you need to talk to someone.