Publication
Talking about eating disorders (reprinted 2010)
Introduction
Food is an essential part of our lives; we need it to survive. When we are under stress, our appetite and the way we view food are often affected. We may lose interest in eating, we may eat more than usual, or crave certain types of food. Very often this will pass when our lives return to normal and the difficulties are resolved.
However, for some of us food can become an overwhelming concern which comes to dominate our lives. It may get to the stage where food is all we think about - either so that we can control our intake of food to the extent of avoiding eating, or so that we can try to satisfy our need to eat and eat.
This leaflet is written for people who use food in these ways to cope with distressing feelings. It provides some basic information for those who themselves are experiencing an eating disorder, or for whom eating causes distress, as well as for their families and friends. The leaflet looks at the different ways people are affected, the possible causes and the various sources of help available.
At the end of the leaflet there are some references to other reading material and to organisations which can provide further information for those who wish it.