When Food Becomes a Battle: Understanding Eating Disorders in Ireland

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Recently, Jessie Buckley opened up about her experience with an eating disorder as a teenager:

“I didn’t know how to be alive the way I wanted to be, and it was difficult, but I do not for a second regret it, and I think I’ve been able to transform it and recognise our vulnerabilities as humans in the world… I’ve been in therapy since I was 17, I still go every week.”

Her story is a reminder that eating disorders are not about vanity—they are complex coping mechanisms often tied to trauma, anxiety, perfectionism, grief, or a need for control.

Eating Disorders: Hidden in Plain Sight

In Ireland, 1 in 20 people live with an eating disorder, equating to approximately 180,000 individuals at any given time. Alarmingly, a third of assessments for eating disorders last year were among teenagers aged 15 to 17.

Yet awareness and understanding remain limited. Many GPs, through no fault of their own, receive very little training in identifying eating disorders, and only 30% feel confident in diagnosing them.

For adults requiring specialist inpatient care, the situation is extremely constrained: there are just three adult HSE specialist eating disorder beds in Ireland, all located in south Dublin. While 11 specialist teams are officially listed nationwide, many are not fully staffed and lack the multidisciplinary expertise required to treat eating disorders safely. Jessie Buckley highlighted to a committee that turning 18 does not pause an eating disorder—transitioning from child to adult services can be a precarious time for many young people.

Harriet Parsons, CEO of Bodywhys, noted that in 2024, the organisation’s helpline responded to almost 1,300 calls, with over a third concerning people under 18.

Referrals to specialist eating disorder teams also increased by 33% in 2024. Over half of assessments were for children and adolescents, while adult assessments rose by over 50%, highlighting the growing demand and pressure on limited services.

The Internal Battle

For someone living with an eating disorder, much of the struggle happens inside the mind. There is often a powerful internal voice that overrides rational thinking, creating secrecy, rigidity, and isolation.

The rational part of the brain might say, “I should follow the guidance from my dietitian or therapist. This will help me recover.” But the eating disorder voice often responds with its own rules: “Don’t do that—you’ll lose control. You have to stick to your plan. You can’t trust anyone.”

This internal conflict can be confusing, exhausting, and isolating. Simple decisions, like what to eat or when to eat, can feel like high-stakes negotiations with oneself. The mind may feel like a battlefield, where recovery is a constant push and pull, and even small steps forward can provoke fear, guilt, or self-doubt.

It’s important to understand that this internal voice is not a reflection of weakness or failure. It is part of the disorder, a coping mechanism that has taken hold over time. Recognising it as such can be an early step toward compassionate self-care and recovery.

ARFID and Neurodivergence

Avoidant Restrictive Food Intake Disorder (ARFID) is a type of eating disorder that is often misunderstood, yet it can have a serious impact on health and wellbeing. It is increasingly recognised, particularly in neurodivergent individuals, but it can affect anyone.

Many children who are labelled as “picky eaters” never fully outgrow these patterns. For some, sensory sensitivities to taste, texture, smell, or even the appearance of food can trigger strong anxiety, fight-or-flight responses, or even dissociation. What might seem like a minor preference to an outsider can, for the person experiencing it, feel overwhelming and frightening.

ARFID deserves the same level of seriousness, compassion, and support as other eating disorders. It is not about being fussy or difficult; it is a real struggle with food that affects daily life, growth, and mental health.

Importantly, a person does not need a formal neurodivergent diagnosis to receive effective treatment for ARFID. Support can focus on creating safe, manageable ways to approach eating, gradually expanding comfort with different foods, and addressing the anxiety or trauma that may be driving restrictive behaviours.

With the right care, understanding, and patience, people with ARFID can develop healthier relationships with food while maintaining their dignity and individuality.

Trauma, Anxiety, and the Roots of Disordered Eating

Disordered eating often develops as a coping mechanism in response to difficult experiences. Grief, bullying, family breakdown, suppressed emotions, or the pressure of school and exams can all contribute. For some, food becomes a way to exert control, manage anxiety, or protect themselves emotionally.

Parents and carers may notice early signs such as secrecy around meals, irritability at the table, avoidance of certain foods, or a preference for baggy clothing. These behaviours are not about defiance or vanity—they are signals that a child or teenager may be struggling.

Early recognition is crucial. The sooner support is offered, the greater the chance of recovery. Compassionate understanding, combined with guidance from trained professionals, can help individuals develop healthier coping strategies and rebuild a safe relationship with food

The Hidden Physical Toll

Eating disorders can have serious physical consequences, even when they are not immediately visible. Malnutrition can affect cognition, heart function, bone strength, digestion, sleep, and fertility. Purging behaviours, such as vomiting or over-exercising, can cause internal damage.

Refeeding or eating too quickly after a period of restriction can put the heart under stress, and over time, bones may become brittle, increasing the risk of fractures. These effects are not limited to women; men are equally at risk.

Understanding these hidden impacts underscores why medical supervision is always essential in treatment. Addressing both the mental and physical aspects of the disorder ensures recovery is safe and sustainable.

Why Families Matter

Family dynamics can have a profound effect on recovery. Supportive family therapy can help individuals navigate challenges, build trust, and foster healthier patterns around food and emotions.

Conversely, family disharmony—especially situations where a young person feels caught between parents—can worsen eating disorder behaviours.

Recovery is rarely a straight path; setbacks can happen, but they are a normal part of progress, not a failure. Families who engage with care teams, learn warning signs, and participate in relapse prevention planning are often vital to long-term recovery.

Navigating Healthcare and Stigma

Many people seeking treatment feel dismissed or reduced to their diagnosis. Psychotherapy and psychology are beneficial, but working with clinicians experienced in eating disorders is essential. Holistic, compassionate care that sees the person beyond their disorder is vital.

Jessie Buckley’s openness underscores an important truth: eating disorders are not a moral failing—they are complex, human struggles. With early intervention, family support, and fully integrated care from a multidisciplinary team of medical, mental health, and nutrition professionals, recovery is possible.

Jessie Buckley’s story reminds us that eating disorders are not a sign of weakness—they are a human struggle that can be faced with support and care. As she says, “I’ve been in therapy since I was 17, I still go every week.” Her journey shows that recovery is possible, and that with understanding, patience, and professional guidance, life beyond the disorder is achievable.

At BetterCare.ie, we recognise that eating disorders are complex and deeply personal struggles. Our clinicians include specialists experienced in eating disorders who provide compassionate, evidence-based psychological support for individuals and families, often working alongside medical and multidisciplinary teams to support recovery safely and at a pace that feels manageable.

If you or someone you care about may be struggling, you can send a message to our team or call 01 556 3335.

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