Iowa State point guard Emily Ryan released a video Thursday in which she discusses her battle with an eating disorder for World Mental Health Day.
In her post she said: “Proud to share my story. Forever grateful to everyone who helped me through it all.”
Proud to share my story. Forever grateful to everyone who helped me through it all 💚 #WorldMentalHealthDay https://t.co/XVnqfgndwN
— Emily Ryan (@ryan_emily11) October 10, 2024
In the video, Ryan said the Iowa State medical staff expressed their concern about her eating habits and the changes they were seeing to her body. Because of this, Ryan missed the first nine games of the 2023-24 season due to the eating disorder. When she returned, she expressed still struggling off the court.
Ryan said during this offseason she spent 88 days at a treatment center in Denver. In the video she said, “It took a long time but I finally came to the understanding that being sick wasn’t my fault, and eating disorders are real, complex illnesses.”
Check out the full video below to learn more about Ryan’s journey.
If you or someone you know is struggling with mental health, help is available.
Don’t hesitate to reach out to someone you trust or seek professional support. Below are resources where you can find help:
- National Suicide Prevention Lifeline: Call or text 988 for confidential support 24/7.
- Crisis Text Line: Text HOME to 741741 to connect with a trained counselor.
- National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI) Helpline: Call 1-800-950-NAMI (6264) or visit nami.org for information and resources.
For resources on disordered eating, call the National Eating Disorders Helpline at 800-931-2237 or text NEDA to 741741.