If you are in immediate danger
If you are extremely unwell, fainting, having chest pain, thinking of harming yourself, or feel unable to stay safe, contact emergency services or go to the nearest emergency department now.
- New Zealand: 111
- Australia: 000
- United States / Canada: 911
- UK / Europe: 999, 112
- or your local emergency number
Eating Disorders Crisis Support – Worldwide
This page is for anyone worried about eating disorder behaviours, restriction, bingeing, purging, laxative or diuretic misuse, compulsive exercise, body distress, fear of eating, medical warning signs, or feeling unable to stop harmful behaviours.
Eating disorders are serious and can affect people of any age, gender, body size, culture, or background. You deserve support that is respectful, non-judgemental, body-safe, and focused on health, safety, and recovery.
Quick safety steps for right now
Check medical safety
If you are medically unwell, weak, fainting, having chest pain, confused, dehydrated, or unsafe, seek urgent medical help.
Eat, sip, rest
If safe and possible, eat something small, sip water, rest, and stay near someone supportive.
Reach out now
Contact a trusted person, eating disorder helpline, doctor, crisis line, text/chat service, or emergency support.
Eating disorders can be a crisis
It may feel overwhelming
- Severe restriction or starvation
- Bingeing and feeling out of control
- Purging, vomiting, laxatives, or diuretics
- Over-exercise or compulsive movement
- Very low weight or rapid weight loss
- Dizziness, fainting, heart problems
- Feeling unable to stop behaviours
- Self-harm, suicidal thoughts, or hopelessness
You are not your illness. You are worthy of help.
Medical warning signs
Seek urgent medical help if you have any of these:
- Fainting, feeling like you may faint
- Chest pain or pounding heart
- Breathing problems or shortness of breath
- Severe dehydration or not keeping fluids down
- Confusion, disorientation, or extreme weakness
- Very low weight or rapid weight loss
- Blood in vomit or stool
- Suicidal thoughts or self-harm
Your body and your life matter.
Gentle content notice
This page mentions eating disorder behaviours, body distress, medical danger, crisis support, self-harm risk, and urgent help. Please read slowly and pause if needed.
If this is happening to you
Try this first
- Tell one safe person you are struggling.
- Seek urgent medical help if your body feels unsafe.
- Contact an eating disorder helpline or crisis line.
- Move away from immediate triggers where possible.
- Choose the next safest step, not the perfect step.
Copy-and-send message
“I’m struggling with eating disorder thoughts/behaviours and I don’t feel safe managing this alone today. Can you stay with me or help me contact support?”
Helping someone else
What can help
- Listen without judgement.
- Take concerns seriously.
- Encourage medical help if needed.
- Help find professional or crisis support.
- Do not promise to keep secrets if they are at risk.
What to avoid
- Do not comment on weight, body shape, calories, or appearance.
- Do not shame, threaten, or force a debate about food.
- Do not assume someone is fine because of body size.
- Do not ignore medical warning signs.
Helpful phrase
“You are not in trouble. I care about your safety. We can get support together, one step at a time.”
Evidence of progress
Small wins count
- Eating something
- Asking for help
- Attending an appointment
- Challenging one thought
- Choosing life again
Recovery is not linear
A hard day does not erase progress. A tiny safe step still matters.
You can begin again
You are allowed to be proud of small wins. Support is still available even after setbacks.
Worldwide eating disorder support contacts
New Zealand / Aotearoa
- Emergency: 111
- 1737: free call/text 1737
- Healthline: 0800 611 116
- EDANZ: eating disorder support and family guidance
Australia
- Emergency: 000
- Butterfly Foundation: eating disorder support
- Lifeline: 13 11 14
- Healthdirect: 1800 022 222
United States
- Emergency: 911
- 988 Lifeline: call, text, or chat 988
- National Alliance for Eating Disorders
- ANAD: peer support and resources
Canada
- Emergency: 911
- 9-8-8: call/text crisis support
- NEDIC: eating disorder support
- Kids Help Phone: 1-800-668-6868 or text 686868
United Kingdom
- Emergency: 999 or 112
- Beat: eating disorder helplines
- NHS 111: urgent health advice
- Samaritans: 116 123
International / Global
- Find a Helpline: search by country and topic
- F.E.A.S.T.: support for families and caregivers
Where to go next
Crisis Support by Topic
Return to all crisis topic support pages.
Open topic supportMedical & Health Crisis Support
For urgent physical symptoms or medical uncertainty.
Open medical supportSuicide & Self-Harm Crisis Support
If you are thinking of ending your life or hurting yourself.
Open suicide/self-harm supportAnxiety, Panic & Overwhelm
For panic, fear, and intense distress.
Open anxiety supportTrauma, PTSD & Flashbacks
For trauma responses and flashbacks.
Open trauma supportCrisis Support by Location
Find help by country or region.
Open location support💜 You are not alone. You are worthy. You are allowed to heal.