Delayed help for eating disorders

AUSTRALIANS with eating disorders are waiting up to six months for help as demand for services surges during the pandemic. Isolation, changes to food and exercise routines, and a lack of social connection has placed extra pressure on people battling bulimia, anorexia nervosa and other serious health conditions.

While statistics are not yet available for the impact of the latest restrictions, the Butterfly Foundation has seen an increase in contacts from states experiencing lockdown over the past 18 months.

Last year, contacts to the Butterfly Foundation’s webchat increased by 116 per cent, and during the first school term of 2021 demand for the organisation’s prevention services increased by 150 per cent compared to pre-Covid term 1 in 2019.

Butterfly’s National Helpline and Recovery Support Services manager Joyce Tam said lockdowns could exacerbate symptoms, particularly as accessing treatment and support had become more difficult, with both the public and private sectors struggling to meet demand.

“What we’re hearing via the Helpline are a lot more distressing calls from people experiencing all different presentations of eating disorders,” she said.

“Every eating disorder presentation is likely to be impacted by the pandemic.”

Data collected by the National Eating Disorders Collaboration ( NEDC) from all states and territories shows people living with an eating disorder are waiting four to six months to access assessment and treatment in both the public and private sector.

Anyone needing support with eating disorders or body image issues is encouraged to contact: Butterfly National Helpline on 1800 33 4673 (1800 ED HOPE) or support@butterfly.org.au