Talking to your GP
Your GP (family doctor) is usually the best first step towards help for an eating disorder. They can check your physical health, talk through what’s been happening and refer you to the right people. It’s normal to feel nervous. This checklist can help you prepare, and you can print it and take it with you.
Before your appointment
- Book a long appointment. When you book, say it’s for a mental health concern. You don’t have to give details at reception.
- Choose a GP you feel comfortable with, if you can. It’s fine to ask for a GP with an interest in mental health or eating disorders.
- Write down what’s been happening: your thoughts and feelings about food, eating or your body, what you’ve been doing, how long it’s been going on, and how it affects your day-to-day life.
- Note any physical symptoms, such as tiredness, dizziness or fainting, feeling cold, stomach problems or changes to your periods.
- Note other things going on, such as stress, low mood, anxiety, sleep problems, or being neurodivergent.
- List any medicines or supplements you take.
- Think about bringing someone you trust. They can wait outside, come in with you, or help you remember what was said.
- Print this page or save your notes on your phone, so you don’t have to remember everything on the day.
What to say
Starting is often the hardest part. You don’t need the perfect words, and you don’t need to know if it’s an eating disorder. You could say:
- “I’m worried about my eating and I’d like some help.”
- “I think I might have an eating disorder.”
- “My thoughts about food, eating or my body are taking over my life.”
- “This is hard for me to talk about, so I’ve written some notes. Can I show you?”
You don’t have to say everything at once. It’s okay to share what you can. Your GP may ask some questions, check your heart rate and blood pressure, and ask for blood tests. These checks are routine and help keep you safe.
Questions to ask
- Could this be an eating disorder? What happens next?
- Do I qualify for the Medicare Eating Disorder Treatment and Management Plan?
- Can you refer me to a psychologist and a dietitian who have eating disorder experience?
- Should I also be referred to a psychiatrist (or a paediatrician, for young people)? Waiting lists can be long, so it can help to ask early.
- What health checks do I need, and how often should I come back to see you?
- What should I do if things get worse before my next appointment?
- How much will my appointments cost? Is there a gap fee?
You deserve help, whatever your size, age or gender
If you’re not sure where to start, or you’d like to talk it through before your appointment, call the Butterfly Helpline on 1800 33 4673. It’s free and confidential.
The Medicare eating disorder plan
If you have anorexia nervosa, bulimia nervosa, binge eating disorder or OSFED and meet the criteria, your GP can create an Eating Disorder Treatment and Management Plan. It gives you Medicare rebates for:
- Up to 40 sessions with a psychologist or other mental health professional in 12 months
- Up to 20 sessions with a dietitian in 12 months
You’ll go back to your GP for regular reviews along the way, and you’ll need a review with a psychiatrist or paediatrician to continue past 20 sessions. Rebates don’t always cover the full fee, so ask each service about costs.
ARFID isn’t currently covered by this plan. Your GP can still refer you with other Medicare plans; see treatment for ARFID.
Want to know more?
Services Australia explains the plan and how referrals work. Rules can change, so your GP can confirm what applies to you.
If it doesn’t go well
Most GPs want to help, but sometimes an appointment doesn’t go the way you hoped. If you didn’t feel listened to, it isn’t your fault, and it doesn’t mean you don’t need help.
- You can see a different GP. Getting a second opinion is common and okay.
- Call the Butterfly Helpline on 1800 33 4673. They can help you plan what to say next time and find GPs with eating disorder experience.
- Search InsideOut Institute’s treatment services database for professionals near you.
- Remember: eating disorders can’t be seen by looking at someone. You deserve support even if your weight or blood tests seem ‘normal’.
Common questions
Do I need a diagnosis before I see my GP?
No. You can see your GP if you’re worried about your eating, your thoughts about food or your body, or how you’re feeling. Working out what’s going on is part of their job.
Do I have to be underweight to get help?
No. Eating disorders affect people of all shapes, sizes and weights. Many people with an eating disorder aren’t underweight, and they deserve help just as much.
Can I bring someone with me?
Yes. A family member, partner or friend can come with you for support. You can also ask to speak with your GP alone for part of the appointment.
Does Medicare cover eating disorder treatment?
If you meet the criteria, the Medicare Eating Disorder Treatment and Management Plan gives rebates for up to 40 psychology sessions and up to 20 dietitian sessions in 12 months. It covers anorexia nervosa, bulimia nervosa, binge eating disorder and OSFED. Your GP can check if you’re eligible.
What if my GP doesn’t take me seriously?
You can see a different GP for a second opinion. The Butterfly Helpline (1800 33 4673) can help you prepare and find GPs with eating disorder experience.
You can recover. You are not alone ❤️
Read how others found their way through recovery.