RTÉ Press Centre

RTÉ One, Monday October 14th at 9:35pm

RTÉ is set to broadcast a compelling new documentary, Anorexia, My Family and Me, narrated by Angela Scanlon, who herself has overcome the challenges of an eating disorder. Produced by the team behind the sensitive and deeply moving Patrick: A Young Traveller Lost, this documentary delves into the lives of Irish families grappling with the profound effects of eating disorders.

With cases of eating disorders in Ireland on the rise this urgent documentary contains unprecedented access to unfolding stories, presenting the raw and emotional experiences of families across the country, offering a deeply personal look at the realities of living with this most fatal of mental health conditions.

At the heart of the film, we meet the a Wicklow family whose story highlights the challenges parents face in seeking help for their children as we follow mum Jenny, fighting tirelessly to secure treatment for her 16-year-old son, Josh, who is consistently losing weight as he battles the devastating grip of anorexia.

42-year-old father of four Sean has battled anorexia for over a decade. His struggle with the disorder, including an addiction to running, nearly consumed him before he found the life-saving help he desperately needed. We follow his tentative steps in his recovery journey.

We also follow 36-year-old Amanda and her mother Doreen. Suffering with the condition for over a decade, Angela lives with the constant debilitating daily reality of anorexia. Her condition is so entrenched that she is often on the verge of hospitalisation, offering a stark reminder of the life-threatening nature of the disorder.

Anorexia, My Family and Me features insights from leading experts in the field. Dr. Kielty Oberlin and Harriet Parsons from Bodywhys: The Eating Disorders Association of Ireland, provide a wider perspective on the issue, unpacking for the audience both the complexity of this illness, and the struggles families face when trying to access care for their loved ones.

This documentary strikes at the heart of the issue, shining a light on the real life emotional toll eating disorders take on individuals and their families while offering hope and raising awareness. 

Anorexia, My Family and Me is an Alleycats Films production, directed and produced by Alan Bradley. Executive Producers for Alleycats Films are Des Henderson & Ed Stobart and Executive Producers for RTÉ: Kathy Fox and Gráinne McAleer.