Anorexia: Cricketer Arul Suppiah speaks about health struggles
Former Somerset cricketer Arul Suppiah faced a severe battle with anorexia nervosa, a condition often associated with young women, which took over his life following a health kick in 2017. This disorder led to excessive exercising, inadequate eating, and avoidance of social situations involving food, causing him to lose significant weight and almost faint at work. His journey to recovery was prompted by a psychiatrist's warning of hospitalization and involved support from the Professional Cricketers' Association and his close ones. Suppiah's recovery process was gradual and involved understanding the necessity of eating for his health, connecting with others who had similar experiences, and addressing associated mental health challenges like OCD and depression. The immense pressure of professional sports and the pursuit of perfection may have contributed to his mental health struggles, highlighting the broader issue of athletes' mental wellbeing under intense scrutiny and performance demands.
Context:
Former Somerset cricketer Arul Suppiah faced a severe battle with anorexia nervosa, a condition often associated with young women, which took over his life following a health kick in 2017. This disorder led to excessive exercising, inadequate eating, and avoidance of social situations involving food, causing him to lose significant weight and almost faint at work. His journey to recovery was prompted by a psychiatrist's warning of hospitalization and involved support from the Professional Cricketers' Association and his close ones. Suppiah's recovery process was gradual and involved understanding the necessity of eating for his health, connecting with others who had similar experiences, and addressing associated mental health challenges like OCD and depression. The immense pressure of professional sports and the pursuit of perfection may have contributed to his mental health struggles, highlighting the broader issue of athletes' mental wellbeing under intense scrutiny and performance demands.
Dive Deeper:
Arul Suppiah, a former Somerset cricketer, noticed his declining health when he felt faint while teaching, having lost 15kg and being consumed by 'The Voice', his internal anorexic thoughts. Despite the common perception of anorexia affecting young women, Suppiah, in his 30s, was severely affected by it.
An initial health kick in 2017 spiraled into a serious eating disorder where Suppiah excessively exercised, ate very little, and shunned social interactions involving food, with weight loss being falsely validated by external comments.
A critical turning point came after a near-fainting episode at work, leading to a doctor's advice for time off and a psychiatrist's warning of potential hospitalization if his condition didn't improve, prompting him to seek change.
The recovery, supported by the Professional Cricketers' Association and his personal circle, involved eating eight small meals daily and was marked by fluctuations in weight and motivation, eventually becoming a journey for his own well-being.
Suppiah's recovery was bolstered by engaging with online case studies and local support groups, highlighting the need to connect with others facing similar struggles, while addressing his coexisting mental health issues like OCD and anxiety.
The pressures of professional sports, including constant performance expectations and the spotlight, potentially exacerbated his condition, reflecting broader mental health challenges faced by athletes striving for perfection.
Suppiah's experience underscores the critical importance of recognizing eating disorders beyond stereotypes, underscoring the necessity of support systems and awareness in sports environments to address mental health comprehensively.