Support for Myself

Seeking help for yourself

Are you concerned about your relationship with food, body image or exercise?

Seeking support can be a daunting step, yet it is crucial. We firmly believe that with the proper support, complete recovery is achievable at any point in life, allowing one to live a fulfilling life free from intrusive thoughts.

EDCS has compiled a list of helpful resources that are currently available and regularly updated to support you.

Where Do I Start?

Speaking to your GP is an important first step in valuable support and referral to specialist services. It might feel overwhelming and frightening, so having a support person could be helpful. 

You must have confidence in your doctor's understanding and trust in them. Ask your doctor about their experience with eating disorders. Inquire about the actions they plan to take, such as referring you to specialist services. If you encounter difficulties getting a referral or feel unsure about your doctor's approach to your situation, don't hesitate to seek a second opinion from another general practitioner within your practice or from a different location.

There can be a lot to take in during your first appointment. We recommend that you or your support person take notes about your doctor's plans so that you can refer to them after your appointment.

Where Do I Do Next?

As you may have already discovered, public service options in New Zealand are currently limited, and waiting lists can be long. However, there are other options. 

Specialist private eating disorder clinics in New Zealand offer therapy and treatment options. If cost is a barrier to these services, you may be entitled to various funding from government options available to help you. 

In addition to private clinics, there are options for free, often limited, therapy sessions. These may be short-term options but could help in the interim.