Model Pamela Ryan: ‘One Of The Main Issues Around Eating Disorders Is That People Keep It Secret’

According to the HSE, an estimated 188,895 people in Ireland will experience an eating disorder at some point in their lives. International research says that just 5-15% of these people will decide to seek help.

While there is a low number of people speaking out about their relationship with their body image, there is an increasing amount of people commenting on others’ appearances… particularly in the age of the internet.

Over the years, social media has significantly contributed to promoting harmful views of body image, being the home of photoshopped Instagram pics and deciding what body type is ‘trending’ every few months.

There is a feeling of disconnect now between what we say online and how it affects people, with major celebrities, such as Ariana Grande and Selena Gomez, having to ask their fans to stop commenting on their bodies online, even if it is out of ‘concern.’

Ellen Jennings from BodyWhys tells us that while there is no one cause for an eating disorder, social media can play a major role in how a person views their body and their self-esteem.

“Through social media we are bombarded with unrealistic and unattainable body ideals, which can increase appearance comparisons and have an impact on how we feel about ourselves,” she says.

Those ‘What I Eat in a Day’ and ‘Body checking’ videos all over your fyp are prime examples of the type of content that may seem innocuous, but can actively contribute to these negative perceptions.

Photo by Angela Roma / Pexels

Model and cage girl Pamela Ryan speaks to STELLAR about her personal experience with an eating disorder, and the part social media played in her need to open up.

With a large Instagram following and a job that often focuses on her image, Pamela says she wanted to be transparent about her illness.

“I thought it would be good to put it out there, to say to people ‘look I’m not exactly doing the best at the minute,'” she says.

“I felt it was my responsibility to speak up. I didn’t want people to think I was trying to promote an unhealthy image, that is paramount to me.”

Just like Ariana and Selena, Pamela also felt the need to explain herself to invasive commenters on social media

“People are quick to comment on weight,” she says. “I have suffered some awful comments about my body that are really hurtful. They don’t know me and what I’m going through.”

 

View this post on Instagram

 

A post shared by Pamela Ryan (@pamelaryan_)

Pamela says she used to look up to size 0 supermodels in magazines and on TV when she was a teenager: “Younger girls need to realise that 99% of images online are false, that no one shows all of themselves on their social media. Nowadays it is very hard to tell if someone’s picture is real.”

After posting on her Instagram about what she was going through, Pamela was surprised by how many people reached out to her – particularly due to the stigma that still exists around discussing eating disorders.

“I feel not many [want to] talk about it… I had so many girls, and lads too, write to me and tell me about their stories with eating disorders. That was totally unexpected.

“That was one of the most important things for me, speaking to them, because they mightn’t have anyone to talk to. When I went to my doctor and finally told her I was worried about my weight, she said the first step is talking about it.

“One of the main issues with eating disorders is that people won’t speak up, and they are often keeping it secret.”

Pamela says that just talking to someone made all the difference for her when it came to those feelings of isolation. “I know I feel less alone when I hear from other people in recovery.”

It’s for this reason that BodyWhys emphasises media literacy to help people develop the skills to recognise and navigate the challenges of the online world.

You are not your illness, and there are so many people out there who are willing to help you.

Eating Disorder Awareness Week 2024 takes place from 26th February – 3rd March. 

If you have been affected by any of the details in this article, you can contact BodyWhys on 01 210 7906, or at alex@bodywhys.ie, or visit www.bodywhys.ie.

Words by Sorcha Lynch 

• eating disorders
• health