Helplines in China.

Struggling with eating and body image concerns? Contact a helpline in China for support.

Being hyper-critical of your body may mean that you have a negative body image. Having a negative body image can escalate into disordered eating. If you're experiencing eating or body image problems, there are 11 free helplines available in China. You may benefit from helpline support if you notice these symptoms:

• Excessive thinking about food, eating, and body weight or shape.
• Sudden weight loss or weight gain.
• Weighing yourself often, sometimes every day or even multiple times a day.
• Bruising easily with bruises taking longer to fade.
• Lying to others about whether you have eaten so you can skip meals.
• Mood swings due to hormonal imbalances and nutritional deficiences.
• Growth of a fine layer of hair on the body called lanugo.
• Wearing baggy clothes to hide weight loss or to hide your body shape.

You may feel like you have to hide your eating and body image issues. You may feel ashamed or guilty for having bad thoughts about your body and for using harmful behaviors to control your weight. The prospect of telling someone about what you're experiencing can be scary.

You may be nervous to call a helpline in China because you're worried about how the person on the other line may react. These fears are completely normal. What's important to know is that helpline staff are well trained and they will treat you with compassion and understanding.

If you feel like you might need support with your body image or eating disorders, try reaching out to a hotline in China. It's free and confidential.