February 5th 2024.
Former Emmerdale star Gemma Oaten recently revealed why she wasn't part of the 2015 edition of I'm A Celebrity. In a podcast, she shared about a meeting with a psychiatrist who cautioned her against participating in the show as it might trigger her anorexia again. Despite feeling discriminated against, Gemma understood that mental health conversations were different back then and people are now more open to discussing it. However, she was still hurt by the experience.
Gemma has always been open about her struggle with anorexia and recently shared more details about the meeting on social media. She was excited about the opportunity to be on I'm A Celebrity, but had to go through a "psych test" first. The psychiatrist used a graph to explain his concerns, comparing her going into the jungle to going into a valley and not being able to come back up, i.e. losing weight and relapsing into anorexia. This assumption stunned Gemma, who had fought hard to recover and was now thriving.
The actress was set to join I'm A Celebrity in 2015, but another member of the show's team informed her that if the psychiatrist deemed her "not safe" to participate, they would have to follow his recommendation. Feeling the need to speak out and raise awareness, Gemma clarified that she wasn't criticizing ITV but rather the psychiatrist who believed he understood eating disorders enough to make a decision that would greatly impact her life.
Gemma was angered by the psychiatrist's statement as it brought back memories of being told she wasn't "thin enough" to have a problem. She recalled being hospitalized at the age of 10 with a slim chance of survival. In the end, she expressed her desire to appear on the show in the future, not only for the experience but also to spread the message that recovery is possible. As a patron of the charity SEED, which supports people with eating disorders, Gemma hoped to educate and create an impact with her story.
In the end, Gemma thanked her followers for their overwhelming response and shared that many others still face similar treatment. She believes that the work of organizations like SEED is crucial and hopes for a change in the way mental health is perceived. The video sparked a conversation among her followers, with many sharing their own experiences with eating disorders. Gemma expressed her gratitude and love for their support and urged everyone to join the conversation.
The Emmerdale star's revelation has received a lot of attention, with fans thanking her for speaking out and sharing their views on the matter. The video also hinted at upcoming storylines and spoilers, creating excitement among viewers. Gemma's openness and bravery in sharing her story have touched many hearts and raised awareness about the importance of mental health conversations. She hopes to continue this conversation and bring about a positive change in society.
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