You probably know someone living with an eating disorder - but you may not realise it.

Monday 24th Febuary - Sunday 2nd March

Eating Disorder Awareness Week.

Eating Disorder Can Affect Anyone.

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Right now, in the UK, there are at least 1.25 million people living with an eating disorder - but the real number could be even higher. Eating disorders are complex mental health condition which are often misunderstood, mislabelled or undiagnosed. Eating disorders don't just affect the person with the condition, but those around the person with often take up the role of being a carer - feeling helpless and heartbroken, as they watch their loved one struggle. Eating disorders are one of the biggest mental health challenges of our time and they can affect anyone at any time.

It is important to spread the message that anyone can be affect regardless of there age, gender, sexuality, ethnicity or background.

From Beat Eating Disorders recent study for Eating Disorder Awareness Week they found there was a stigma around speaking up and reaching out for support - saying they had an eating disorder -  due to misconceptions about who is affected and the lack of knowledge about eating disorders present. Busting misconceptions can help people seek help earlier, increasing a chance of a full recovery.

The thoughts behind disordered eating are often controling and complex making them difficult to communicate and express. However, there are behaviours frequently exhibited alongside disordered eating are often slightly easier to spot, some examples are: being overly focused on and/or secretive around food; self-conscious when eating in front of others; low confidence and self-esteem; poor body image; irritability and mood swings; tiredness; social withdrawal; feelings of shame, guilt, and anxiety; difficulty concentrating.

It's not always obvious that someone has an eating disorder - they are mental illnesses. If you're worried about yourself or someone you know, even if only some of the signs of this page are present, you should seek help immediately, as this gives the best chance of recovery. The first step is usually to make an appointment with your GP.

For more information about eating disorders, visit Beat Eating Disorders.