Eating disorder sufferers 'being failed by the State' for lack of services and hospital beds

Sean Blake and Amanda Lynch share their struggles with eating disorders, highlighting the lack of awareness and support in Ireland for such mental health issues. Blake's battle with anorexia caused him to miss family time, while Lynch's ordeal started at 14 with a fear of gaining weight. Despite seeking help, both faced hurdles in accessing specialized treatment due to funding issues and general lack of expertise among healthcare providers. They call for improved awareness and government-led strategies in schools to address these critical health challenges.

At the time, I had a fear of gaining weight. I started taking diet pills. I remember one day in my head saying 'I could just stop taking them' but then when I really thought about it, I said to myself 'I don't think I can.'

Awareness is non-existent in this country. Everyone is encouraging people to eat less calories. But you need the calories to live. The narrative needs to change and the language.

Read at Irish Independent