Finding and staying engaged in care for disordered eating or binge eating disorder can feel unclear, inconsistent, or difficult to maintain.
This page is here to help you work out what kind of support fits, how to prepare for appointments, and how to stay connected to your recovery over time.
Step 1: Finding the Right Entry Point
A General Practitioner is often the most practical starting point.
A General Practitioner can:
- Assess physical health and any immediate risk factors
- Discuss your eating patterns and related symptoms
- Arrange blood tests or medical monitoring if needed
- Provide referrals to relevant services
- Prepare a Mental Health Care Plan when appropriate
If you are referred on, referrals commonly include:
- Psychologists for structured therapy
- Psychiatrists for diagnostic assessment or medication
- Dietitians for nutritional assessment and stabilisation
Step 2: Preparing for Appointments
Appointments are often short. Writing things down beforehand means you do not have to try to remember everything in the moment.
- Eating patterns and frequency
- Episodes of loss of control
- Restrictive behaviours
- Physical symptoms
- Mood or anxiety changes
- Previous treatment attempts
- Specific concerns or goals
You do not need to wait for a diagnosis before asking for help.
Download Preparing For An Appointment Download Appointment Preparation ChecklistStep 3: Staying Engaged in Care
Staying connected to care is hard. There are real reasons people stop.
These reasons include:
- Feeling dismissed
- Financial pressure
- Long wait times
- Lack of perceived progress
- Shame or avoidance
- Competing life responsibilities
If you find yourself pulling back, or removing yourself from treatment, these are worth considering:
- Clarifying your goals with your practitioner
- Asking for structured treatment planning
- Adjusting session frequency
- Seeking a second opinion
- Changing providers if needed
Step 4: If You Feel Your Concerns Are Not Being Addressed
If you feel like your concerns are not being taken seriously, you have every right to ask for more.
You may consider:
- Asking direct questions about next steps
- Requesting referrals
- Seeking another practitioner
- Asking for written summaries
- Documenting ongoing symptoms
Advocating for your own health is appropriate.
Download Weekly Care ReflectionText Support Membership
Support by text message. $15 for 7 days.
This service provides peer support and educational services only. It is non clinical and does not provide medical, psychological, or therapeutic treatment. It is not a substitute for professional care.
This service does not provide crisis or emergency support.
If you are in Australia and experiencing an emergency or crisis, please call 000 immediately.
For mental health crisis support, you can contact:
Lifeline on 13 11 14 (24/7)
Beyond Blue on 1300 22 4636 (24/7)
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