Helplines in Northern Ireland.

Hotline support for eating disorders and body image issues is available in Northern Ireland

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 2 free helplines available in Northern Ireland. You may benefit from helpline support if you notice these symptoms:

• Lying to others about whether you have eaten so you can skip meals.
• A lack of energy and fatigue.
• Excessive thinking about food, eating, and body weight or shape.
• Growth of a fine layer of hair on the body called lanugo.
• Gastrointestinal problems such as a sore stomach, constipation, and acid reflux.
• Feeling uncomfortable eating in front of others.
• Regularly checking your body in the mirror for flaws.
• Mood swings due to hormonal imbalances and nutritional deficiences.

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.

Taking the first step to talk to someone about what you're going through is hard but the sooner you get help, the sooner you may start to feel better. When you contact a helpline in Northern Ireland, a trained helpline counselor will listen to your concerns and offer you the support you need.

If you think you might need support with disordered eating or body image today, consider contacting a helpline in Northern Ireland for free, confidential help.