Having disordered eating is common. If you are constantly thinking about food, feeling guilty about food or restricting food, you are likely to have elements of an eating disorder. If so, you are not alone. Many Bristol students seek help, support and advice because they have a problem with disordered eating. Unfortunately, many more suffer in silence or are too frightened to make any changes.

Disordered eating can make you feel anxious and depressed, affect your sleep, your concentration, your endurance, your immune system and your studies. It can also be harmful for your heart, your bone health and your fertility.

Students often tell us that they feel their disordered eating isn't too severe because they are still coping in many ways. It is true that the body can cope with quite extreme malnutrition or variable intake for a long time, but it can also be dangerous. Because disordered eating usually develops gradually, it can be easy to lose touch with what healthy eating looks like.

If you're worried,  come and talk to us by booking an appointment, even if you are not sure whether you want anything to change right now. You may not feel quite ready for change but we can talk to you about what support is available. Don't forget that anything you discuss with a doctor or nurse is completely confidential.

• TalkED read more and get online support or befriending service from this charity 
• SWEDA Excellent local charity for advice, helplines, information and counselling/recovery service. Some services are paid-for.
• BEAT charity; information, advice, helplines and chatrooms
• Healthtalk- videos of interviews with young people all around the UK talking about their experiences of eating disorders
• The Brain and Eating Disorders
• Athletes and Eating Disorders