Eating Disorders Helpline: How To Find Support For Eating Disorders

An eating disorders helpline can promote recovery and support individuals experiencing disordered eating habits. There may be a variety of ways to access these resources, depending on a person's specific needs and what type of disorder they are experiencing. The National Association of Anorexia Nervosa and Associated Disorders Helpline, the National Alliance for Eating Disorders Helpline, and the Diabulimia Helpline may all be options for those living with eating disorders. Many people with these mental health conditions can benefit from working with a licensed therapist throughout their recovery journeys.

What are eating disorders? 

According to the National Institute of Mental Health (NIMH), eating disorders are serious conditions that, in some cases, can be fatal. These disorders are typically associated with disturbances in thoughts, emotions, and behaviors related to eating and food. While the prevalence of eating disorders can vary, common examples include anorexia nervosa, binge eating disorder, and bulimia nervosa. 

What is anorexia nervosa? 

Sometimes referred to simply as “anorexia,” anorexia nervosa is a condition generally involving significantly reducing the number of calories and nutrients consumed. These changes may be rooted in a distorted body image. Some individuals with anorexia nervosa who have very low body weights may believe they are overweight, which can exacerbate their preoccupation with food and dieting. 

What are the signs and symptoms of anorexia nervosa? 

Common signs and symptoms of anorexia may include the following: 

• Intentionally avoiding foods that are believed to be calorically dense
• Hiding eating habits or weight
• Having a preoccupation with weight and frequently weighing oneself
• Believing one is overweight, even if they are at a healthy weight or underweight
• Misusing certain medications, such as appetite suppressants
• Experiencing physical symptoms, such as headaches, bloating, constipation, dry skin, hair loss, and reduced sex drive

What is binge eating disorder? 

Binge eating disorder is a condition usually involving the consumption of significant quantities of food in a short period, such as one to two hours. During these binge eating episodes, individuals may believe they cannot control their eating, which can lead them to consume far more than they would during a typical meal. 

What are the signs and symptoms of binge eating disorder? 

The signs and symptoms of binge eating disorder may include those listed below:

• Eating even when one isn’t hungry
• Eating in secret or away from others
• Consuming food quickly, particularly during a binge
• Gaining weight
• Engaging in multiple unsuccessful attempts to diet
• Eating to the point of discomfort

Is binge eating always a sign of an eating disorder? 

What is bulimia nervosa? 

Bulimia nervosa can involve elements of both binge eating disorder and anorexia nervosa. Those with bulimia nervosa may engage in binge eating followed by purging. Purging behaviors can include the misuse of laxatives or diuretics, self-induced vomiting, excessive physical activity, or fasting. 

What are the signs and symptoms of bulimia nervosa? 

The signs and symptoms of bulimia nervosa may include the following:

• Having significant discomfort with one’s weight or body shape
• Limiting calories or avoiding specific food groups, especially between binges
• Experiencing a perceived loss of control during binge eating episodes
• Experiencing a fear of gaining weight
• Misusing medications or dietary supplements for weight loss
• Displaying severe mood swings
• Frequently disappearing to the restroom after eating to engage in compensatory behaviors

How can people with eating disorders get support? 

While seeking treatment may be the most effective way to get support, those with eating disorders could consider the following supplemental methods as well.

• Support groups: An eating disorder support group can provide individuals with eating disorders a safe space to share their experiences and connect with others facing similar challenges. These groups can be valuable sources of emotional support, practical advice, and a sense of community during the recovery process. 
• Friends and family members: Loved ones can be essential during the recovery process. These individuals can provide encouragement during a crisis, help monitor treatment progress, and assist in maintaining healthy habits. It can be important to remain open with loved ones and avoid isolation, as this could exacerbate eating disorders.

In addition to support groups and the involvement of friends and family members, helplines can be a vital resource for those seeking immediate assistance. These helplines may offer support and guidance while also providing referrals to local professionals who can provide eating disorder treatment. 

What is an eating disorder helpline? 

Eating disorder helplines are typically toll-free phone services designed to provide information and support to individuals experiencing eating disorders. One of the primary eating disorder hotlines that previously helped individuals with eating disorders was the National Eating Disorders Helpline provided by the National Eating Disorders Association (NEDA). 

However, NEDA switched from this helpline to a chatbot service in 2023, which was later taken down due to complaints that the bot was providing harmful advice to individuals seeking assistance. As of August 2024, the helpline has not returned.

Did NEDA provide the only helpline for people with eating disorders? 

While the NEDA helpline may no longer be operational, there are a variety of other options to help individuals experiencing eating disorders. 

• The National Association of Anorexia Nervosa and Associated Disorders (ANAD):ANAD provides a free helpline that can provide treatment referrals and emotional support while also answering questions individuals may have about their disorders. This helpline can be reached by dialing 1-888-375-7767, Monday through Friday, from 9AM to 9PM CT.
• The National Alliance for Eating Disorders:The helpline provided by the National Alliance for Eating Disorders can be reached by dialing 1-866-662-1235, Monday through Friday, from 9AM to 7PM ET. 
• Diabulimia Helpline: For individuals experiencing both diabetes and an eating disorder, DBH (Dream, Believe, Hope with diabetes) provides a 24/7 helpline that can connect individuals with a treatment provider who has experience with both diabetes and mental health. The helpline can be reached by dialing 1-425-985-3635. 

While these helplines can offer essential support, they may be just one component of a comprehensive treatment approach. Alongside these helplines, individuals with eating disorders may benefit from treatments provided by a medical or mental health professional. 

Which eating disorder treatment is the most effective? 

Eating disorder treatment may include different types of medical care, medication, nutritional counseling, and mental health therapy. Research suggests that treatment efficacy and outcomes may be improved by incorporating one’s family into treatment, especially in the cases of adolescents with eating disorders. 

Family members may be able to encourage their loved one to seek support or adhere to treatment plans. These treatment plans usually work toward various goals, such as the following:

• Increasing or decreasing weight until it reaches what medical professionals deem to be a “healthy level”
• Reducing exercise if it has become excessive
• Stopping behaviors that may be contributing to binging or purging
• Maintaining adequate nutrition

Can eating disorder treatment improve mental health? 

Several therapeutic approaches can help individuals who are living with eating disorders:

• Family-based therapy: For families with adolescents experiencing eating disorders, family-based treatment may be an effective way for parents to assist with their child’s recovery. This therapeutic approach typically involves parents managing their child’s eating habits, helping them restore a healthy weight, and providing consistent emotional support. 
• Enhanced cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT-E): CBT-E is a form of psychotherapy that can provide an individualized treatment approach for those experiencing eating disorders. A CBT-E provider can show you how to identify thoughts and behaviors that may be contributing to eating disorder symptoms while also sharing techniques to restructure these patterns. 

While these forms of therapy may help individuals with eating disorders, in-person therapy may not always be convenient or accessible. For example, some individuals may not be comfortable discussing sensitive topics in person, preferring instead to meet with a therapist via video, audio, or online chat. Others may lack reliable transportation, which could make traveling to a therapist’s office challenging. In these situations, it may be beneficial to try other treatment options, such as online therapy. 

Research suggests that in-person and online therapy can be equally effective. In a 2022 systematic review involving some participants with eating disorders, researchers analyzed 12 randomized controlled trials involving a total of 931 people. They found no significant differences between these therapeutic formats when measured by a variety of outcomes after treatment, including working alliance, client satisfaction, symptom severity, function, and overall improvement.