Emer McLysaght has been widely applauded after opening up to RTE's Ryan Tubridy about her battles with an eating disorder.
The co-author of the Aisling books, alongside Sarah Breen, spent two months in the eating disorder unit at St Pat's hospital in Dublin, just before the lockdown began back in March of 2020.
She opened up to Ryan about the struggles she has faced and how her best friend helped her through the entire ordeal.
"The past couple of years have been quite difficult for me and Sarah (Breen) has been my number one support. I spent a lot of time with her and her family.
"I had the unfortunate incidence of being released from two months in a psychiatric hospital literally as the pandemic kicked off.
"I remember, the day before I was discharged, Leo did the speech about the schools closing. And the number one thing they tell you when leaving a psychiatric hospital is 'don't be left alone'. Sarah stepped in and said 'we'll be there for you'.
"So, I was in the eating disorder ward in St.Pat's, I ended up there because I have had some sort of eating disorder for 20+ years. I only realised this maybe about two and a half years ago.
"I had been struggling with food, I was either terrified of eating it or couldn't stop thinking about eating it.
"It was one or the other and it was causing so much distress - it was stopping me leaving the house.
"I eventually cracked and had to go 'I need to do something about this.'
"I didn't think I would end up in hospital. I was really shocked when they referred me on. But part of a mental illness is thinking 'I'm not sick enough for this, I've got it wrong' and I said that to one of them and they pointed out that I had jumped through so many hoops to get there."
People who tuned in were overwhelming in their praise for Emer.
One user said: "So refreshing to hear @EmerTheScreamer speak so honestly about her experience with an eating disorder. She describes exactly what a lot of us experience but so few speak about. Also, we desperately need funding. The treatment is abysmal."
"You never know what's going on with people. Huge respect for @EmerTheScreamer for telling her story to @RyanTubridyShow. I'm so sorry for your suffering Emer, but full of admiration for your courage. Everyone's fighting a battle." added another.
A third addressed her, saying: "Hi Emer, just wanted to say THANK YOU for your interview with Ryan this morning. Open dialog means so much to so many, more than you will ever know. Best wishes with your continuing journey to health & happiness."
While two more people added: "Incredible honest and important interview with @EmerTheScreamer on @RyanTubridyShow this morning. Not an easy thing to talk about but so important for those listening in." and "An incredibly powerful interview with @EmerTheScreamer on Tubridy this morning - thank you for sharing your story, Emer and wishing you all the best."
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