Policing the Eating Disorder

Welcome to Policing the Eating Disorder

This blog documents my journey as a thirty-something male navigating life with an eating disorder. My goal is to shed light on this often misunderstood and highly stigmatised condition, particularly among adult men—an overlooked demographic in eating disorder research and support.

Eating disorders are complex, often triggered by factors beyond food, such as stress and self-control. As a Police Officer, I’ve experienced firsthand how high-pressure environments like the emergency services can contribute to mental health struggles. I hope this space provides insight, reassurance, and awareness for anyone affected—whether personally, through a loved one, or simply just out of curiosity.

I’m not a medical professional, and this blog is not a substitute or replacement for medical advice. I’ll be sharing candid reflections on my own ongoing experience, which may be triggering for some. While I aim to be honest and unfiltered, I acknowledge that everyone’s journey is different, and I apologise if any wording unintentionally causes distress.

Why the name 'Policing the Eating Disorder''?

By Summer 2024, my mental and physical health had really declined, leading to me having to go sick from work—shortly before my colleagues began Policing the widespread public disorder across the UK. While they managed chaos on the streets, I was at home, trying to bring order to my own internal battle.

This blog will continue to evolve as I document my treatment journey, my hopeful recovery, my efforts to return to frontline Policing, and my advocacy work to improve awareness and systemic support for eating disorders.

Please follow along on social media, and feel free to reach out with questions or suggestions. While I can’t offer individual support, I hope my experiences help challenge stigma and encourage open conversations about this hidden struggle.

Thanks for visiting.

Tom