The Rose of Tralee yesterday spoke about reaching 'rock bottom' before receiving treatment for an eating disorder, writes Róisín Ingle
The Rose of Tralee, Tamara Gervasoni, resumed her public engagements yesterday after receiving treatment for bulimia.
Speaking at a press conference in Dublin, Ms Gervasoni (23), spoke about her illness and said that she had reached "rock bottom" when questioned by gardaí over alleged shoplifting at a supermarket in Longford in December.
The Italian Rose, who lives in Longford, has since been receiving professional treatment for the eating disorder, but said she was now well enough to resume the role.
Ms Gervasoni revealed that she had also suffered from anorexia in the past. "It has been very, very difficult to cope with," she said. "You don't want anyone else to know, you keep it hidden. Deciding to seek help was the biggest step of my life. For the first time in December I realised that I had a very big problem and that I had to deal with it."
Bulimics are prone to binge-eating and self-induced vomiting. Treatment involves attending group counselling and consulting doctors and dieticians.
"I do still have a bit of an eating disorder, but I am so much more than that . . . I reached rock bottom at the beginning of December and didn't want the illness to take over my life. Now I want to reach out to others who have this problem. It is an epidemic and I want to tell them it is OK to get help," she said.
Ms Gervasoni said that she had received goodwill messages from "complete strangers", who sent her flowers, presents and cards after she admitted suffering with the disorder. "I wouldn't have done as well if I hadn't got so much support," she said. "If I can do it, anyone else can."
A file on the alleged shoplifting incident is with the DPP. "I swear, I don't remember going in there and don't remember coming out," Ms Gervasoni said. "I was in such a state of mind. I found out later that it was one of the symptoms for eating disorders. It scared me. I was shocked and very sad."
Ms Donna O'Connor, of the Irish National Eating Disorders Association, said that such behaviour was common among sufferers of depression. "It is a cry for help," she said. "Tamara has shown great courage and perseverance in seeking help."
It takes many months and even years to recover, she said, adding that there was a severe lack of medical resources available for sufferers of eating disorders in this country.
Asked whether the media was responsible for young girls developing a negative body image, Ms Gervasoni agreed, but said in her case that was not an issue.
"But I know loads of girls who are a perfect size 12 and they think they are too much because of models on the catwalk," she said. "To me, I looked horrible anyway, so I didn't think how thin or how big I was. I just didn't like myself."
The festival's chief executive, Ms Siobhan Hanley, said that the organisers were "totally supportive of the reigning Rose".
"The Rose of Tralee is not a beauty contest. Tamara won for her personality and her Irishness, and we feel she is a great ambassador for the festival and for Ireland," she said.
For more information on eating disorders, call INEDA on 01 412 6690, or Bodywhys on 01 283 5126, or visit their website at: www.bodywhys.ie