The first step is to visit your GP, who will do an initial assessment and examination. Since eating disorders can carry significant medical risk, your GP will weigh you, order blood tests, check your pulse and blood pressure, and ask about any other physical symptoms, such as weight loss, whether your periods have stopped or changed or presence of binge eating or purging behaviour. 

Your GP can then give you a referral for the eating disorder service provided by Te Whatu Ora. You could also look into finding a private therapist who specialises in eating disorder treatment. Private treatment will involve a cost, but it might mean a shorter wait for an appointment and will give you a choice about who you see.

Reaching out for help can feel scary. You might worry about being judged or not taken seriously. You might find it difficult to put your experience into words. Living with an eating disorder often involves secrecy; it can be hard to break this pattern and let someone else know what is really going on for you.

Also, you might have mixed feelings about getting treatment. You might be afraid to let go of behaviours like dieting, exercising, purging or binge eating, because they have helped you feel safe in some ways.

These are all valid feelings. It might be helpful to let your clinician know that you are uncomfortable. They will understand and can help you work through these feelings. You might also find it helpful to bring a support person along to your first appointment or write down your experiences/feelings/questions ahead of time.

If you don’t feel comfortable with a particular clinician, or don’t feel they are understanding you, keep trying. See a different doctor, ask a support person to advocate for you, or send a follow-up email. It is important that you keep looking for the help you need.

Another option is to make contact with the Eating Disorders Association New Zealand (EDANZ), who can provide you with support and information.