Why This Year Has Been Particularly Tough For Models Struggling With Their Mental Health

BY Sarah Ann Macklin for The Telegraph

Sarah Ann Macklin has launched an online auction to help those who suffer with mental health issues.

When I was 15 years old I was scouted at a pop festival on the south coast of England. I was a middle class girl from Hampshire who had her sights set on being a fashion photographer funny enough, behind the camera. But who could resist an opportunity to see the world and make money?

The problem with modelling is that while it clearly offers hugely exciting opportunities, it gets hold of young adults when they’re still developing emotionally and often feeling very fragile. I was packed off to New York aged 19, which was exhilarating.

But I found myself surrounded by erratic eating behaviours. Mental health problems were very common. Like many, I felt isolated and alone - when you’re emotionally maturing that can lead to deeply dark times, which can last a lifetime.

On top of all that I always had this niggling sense that the images fashion was pumping out were in themselves, somehow negative – it’s very confusing to find yourself at the heart of all that when you’re still a teenager and feeling quite unworthy of the attention you might be attracting. 

Read the full article on The Telegraph