NHS Digital data has shown that the number of hospital diagnoses for eating disorders, in men over 19, rose 70% between April 2015 and March 2016. One of the inspirations behind, and motivations of the iLL project was to increase awareness of the psychology behind this illness.This set of data, analysed by The Guardian, show that although these numbers are still rising – more sufferers are seeking help.
The perception that eating disorders are a young person’s illness has also been quashed by these statistics, with the biggest increase in admission occurring in the 41-60 age-group, with 70% more men seeking help than previous years. There was also a similar rise in the number of female sufferers seeking help, with a 61% increase in women ages 19-25, and a massive 76% increase in middle-aged women.
These figures follow a survey by the Home Office, which found a massive rise in the number of young people using anabolic steroids. With any studies like theses, come the impression that pressures from social media and popular culture are affecting how people perceive, and compare themselves to others.
However, simply that these figures are known show that an awareness of the mental health issues and stigma surrounding eating disorders are becoming more prevalent.
iLL, by our Creative Director, John Dunne, aims to help increase the awareness of precisely these issues. In: “Male Model” (right), you can see the harsh reality of suffering from an eating disorder, combined with the insidious, distorted reality that simultaneously contributes to the illness, while stopping people from recognising – and seeking help for it.
That The Guardian’s report suggests an increased sociocultural awareness of such issues is leading to people understanding the illness – and that it is neither gender nor age specific – is extremely positive news.
iLL is a collection of contemporary art, produced over several years, showing an alternative insight into missing people, homelessness, and mental illness.