Landmark documentary on male eating disorders nominated for award

A LANDMARK documentary giving voice to the untold crisis of eating disorders in Irish men has been nominated for an audience choice award at the Headline Mental Health in Media Awards 2022.

Unspoken, which features Mayo man Daniel O'Boyle, highlighted the harrowing experiences of men with eating disorders, how the public system is failing them, and breaking down stigma attached to the condition.

The Shine Audience Choice Award is a new category in 2022 that rewards a piece of Irish media (print, online, or broadcast) that has impacted the Irish public and/or shaped the public conversation on mental ill health in Ireland. It is the only category where the public choose the winner.

Voting is now open and will close at midnight on October 31. You can vote here now: https://headline.ie/shine-audience-choice-award/.

Unspoken saw, for the first time on Irish television, three men, Cormac Ryan, Eoin Kernan and Daniel O'Boyle, bravely speak out to share their deeply personal and troubling experiences.

The documentary featured former Dublin minor hurler Cormac as he reached a crisis point and began to take the first tentative steps towards reaching out for help.

Law graduate Daniel told of his struggles to get the help he desperately needed due to a lack of eating disorder services available in the west of Ireland.

Self-described ‘ordinary guy’ Eoin's journey to an eating disorder began with a 'health-kick' before quickly turning much darker.

Bodywhys: The Eating Disorder Association of Ireland has seen a 105% increase in men seeking help through its services in 2021. Despite the increase in men coming forward it still remains a largely hidden, silent issue.

Through the men's intimate and highly emotional stories, Unspoken uncovered the often stigmatised world of eating disorders and the major challenges facing those seeking treatment in the Republic of Ireland.

Powerful, urgent, and searingly honest, Unspoken dispels commonly held misconceptions and challenges stereotypes to provide a space for a broader, deeper understanding of this most misunderstood condition. It explores the impact of modern masculinity in Ireland and gives voice to those who have previously been left unheard.

Unspoken was directed by Alan Bradley and produced by Chris Vaughan for Alleycats Films.

* Watch Unspoken on the RTÉ Player here: https://www.rte.ie/player/movie/unspoken-s1-e1/242007592177.