Lived Experience Forum

[Kay2]

I've struggled with bulimea and body dismorphia for the past 6 years. I've always been too scared to get professional help but now I know I need it but I don't know how. I just turned 18 and not comfortable with my

family knowing. I can't afford traditional counseling. Is there anywhere else I can go?

[Maggie]

@Kay2  Welcome.

Have you tried the butterfly foundation ? I have heard they are good. They might be able to help you find help.

SANE helplines  might be able to offer more help.

If you feel like joining in others conversations here, you are welcome.

A forum tip. The @brings a dropdown, and is how we tag others.

[Powderfinger]

@you can go see your doctor and get on a mmental health plan. If you choose a therapist that bulk bills, Medicare pays for the sessions. If the therapist does not bulk bill, you pay the fee and it is reimbursed by Medicare once your therapist or yourself puts a claim through. When you get a therapist, you can also discuss any financial worries you may have after getting to know them. 

Also, you are now 18 years old. That means you are an adult and your parents are not on a need to know basis. Your life is private and your parents do not need to be notified by you nor anything ne else. If you were a minor, it would be a different story. Simply put, do not tell them if you do not want to. 

Your therapy and doctors appts remain confidential. 

Pick a therapist who has a focus on eating disorders. Find the right therapist for you. 

Hope this helps. Best of everything with your journey and decisions. 

[Aniela]

Hi @Kay2 

The butterfly is support for eating disorder and body image issues. https://butterfly.org.au/ 

Their help line is 1800 33 4673. You can also chat online or email. 

[outlander]

hi @Kay2
i have struggled quite alot with eating issues too often it is hidden as well. its great that youve reached out here for support. The butterfly foundation has been quite helpful for me and would reccomend it.
another service is also KidsHelpline, they help those up to age 25. you can call them, or use webchat. your able to speak to the same counsellor over again so you dont have to repeat your story or anything. its all confidential as well.

being 18 however psychologists or other support services that you attend arent legally allowed to tell parents etc about whats happened unless your unsafe (ie planning suicide so they will call an ambulance)
Headspace offers free counselling with a gp refferral and they specialise in young people with a variety of psychologist ailments including eating disorders

[ShiningStar]

Hi @Kay2 

I just wanted to reach out and welcome you to the forums 

I'm so sorry to hear that things are so difficult for you right now. I also have a lived experience of Body Dysmorphic Disorder (diagnosed several years ago) and I really applaud your courage to reach out for support and start the journey to finding the care and support that you need and deserve. Well done!

I did have a few ideas about a starting place that may be of interest to you ...

I just wondered if you have heard of the Butterfly Foundation? They are a national service for anyone concerned about eating disorders or body image issues. 

One of the services that they provide is the Butterfly National Helpline. The Helpline is staffed by qualified counsellors who have also completed specialised training in eating disorders and body image issues. 

If you felt comfortable, you could contact them on: 1800 33 4673.

The Helpline operates from 8.00am until midnight 7 days a week (AEST).

I've contacted them in the past when I was feeling really overwhelmed and I've always had a very positive experience. However, having said that, this particular service is often in very high demand and so it's often difficult to get through - but keep trying  You can always leave a voicemail or forward them an email so that a counsellor can reach back to you as soon as possible.

You may also like to have a look at their website: www.butterfly.org.au

Another avenue to receive some support is through the Sane Help Centre. They support people living with complex mental health issues and the people who care about them. The Help Centre is staffed by qualified counsellors and they can provide telephone and online counselling, information and referrals.

The Help Centre operates Monday to Friday from 10.00am until 10.00pm (AEST) and you can contact them on: 1800 18 7263.

Their website is: www.sane.org.au

I also wondered if you have a GP who you felt comfortable talking with? If you did, you could ask them if you are eligible to receive support through an Eating Disorder Plan (EDP). This plan is designed especially for eligible patients living with an eating disorder. Basically, it enables them to receive a Medicare rebate for up to 40 sessions of evidence based psychological treatment in a 12 month period and up to 20 dietetic services with an Accredited Practicing Dietician also in a 12 month period.

Also, your GP may be able to refer you to a Community Mental Health Team for some counselling and support. From my understanding, these services would be free of charge as they are funded by the Department of Health.

Please feel free to reach back here for continued support. The forums are full of wonderful caring people with great insight and ideas  

If you place @ in front of a forum members name, it will let them know that you have replied to them and / or would like to connect 

You're more than welcome to reach back to me  If you tag me and I don't reply please know that it's nothing that you have done  it just means that I can't login to reply to you (I've had some ongoing technical difficulties) but I think it's all sorted now - fingers crossed!

I hope this helps 

Sending you some hugs at this difficult time ...

ShiningStar