Eating Disorders
Serious mental health conditions involving a disturbed relationship with food, eating, and one's own body.
What are Eating disorders?
Eating disorders are serious mental health conditions that affect your relationship with food and your own body. The most common ones are anorexia nervosa, bulimia nervosa, and binge eating disorder (BED). An eating disorder is not a choice — it is an illness for which effective treatment exists.
When to seek help?
It's important to seek help if: - You constantly think about food, calories, or your weight - You severely restrict your eating or binge eat - You purge or use laxatives for weight control - Your exercise is compulsive - Your body image is distorted
How are Eating disorders treated?
Treatment for eating disorders typically includes: - Psychotherapy (especially CBT and family therapy) - Nutritional therapy - Medical monitoring - Medication if needed - Inpatient care in severe cases
Recovery is possible, and seeking help early is worthwhile. An eating disorder can be life-threatening: if you feel physically unwell (e.g. fainting, chest pain), go to emergency care or call 112.
If you are in immediate danger or have thoughts of suicide, call 112. For crisis support, call the MIELI Crisis Helpline on 09 2525 0111 (in Finnish, 24/7). More help: crisis help.