S6 E6 - Lonely Town

In this powerful and deeply important episode, we shed light on an often overlooked issue: eating disorders in men. While conditions like anorexia, bulimia, and binge eating disorder are frequently associated with women, men suffer too — often in silence, hidden by stigma and misunderstanding. We dive into the real experiences behind these struggles, emphasizing that there is a person behind every illness, battling serious physical and mental health challenges that, in severe cases, can lead to suicidal thoughts. Joining us first is Conor Nolan, a mental health advocate from Blacklion and former student of St Clare’s Comprehensive School, Manorhamilton. Conor shares his personal story of developing anorexia at just 12 years old. Conor opens up about how the illness “crept” into his life during early secondary school years. He reflects on feeling "helpless" and "possessed" by his disorder and the long, private road to recovery while trying to maintain a "normal" appearance to the outside world. His book, "Normal", offers personal insights and advice for teenagers, parents, siblings, and friends to better understand and recognize eating disorders early. Today, Conor co-runs the Normal - Mental Wellbeing Project, proudly co-funded by the European Commission, helping young people across Ireland. You can find Conor’s book "Normal" on Amazon and in local Irish bookstores. We then welcome Sean Blake, a married father of four from Dublin, who bravely shares his journey of mental health struggles from childhood into adulthood, culminating in his diagnosis of Anorexia Nervosa coming into his 30s. Sean discusses the challenges of facing an eating disorder later in life and how being open about his story is helping him heal while hopefully inspiring others. Sean is actively involved in mental health advocacy through Shine, Bodywhys, and St Patrick’s Mental Health Services, and he featured in the RTE documentary "Anorexia: My Family & Me." Closing Thoughts: Eating disorders are not just physical illnesses — they are deeply rooted in mental health. They do not discriminate by gender, age, or background. We hope today's conversations with Conor and Sean shine a light on the hidden struggles many endure and encourage listeners to seek help if they need it or to better support those around them. If you or someone you know is affected, please reach out for help: www.shine.ie – Confidential support for mental health recovery. Call 01 8601610 / 086 0407701 or email [email protected]. www.bodywhys.ie – Ireland’s national voluntary organization supporting people affected by eating disorders. www.supportedfamilies.ie – Expert support for individuals and caregivers impacted by eating disorders. You are not alone. Support is available.