Oral Presentation (max 20 mins including Q&A) National Men's Health Gathering 2025

Turning Pain into Purpose: Changing the Narrative on Boys’ Mental Health and Eating Disorders (131676)

Mia Bannister 1
  1. Ollie's Echo: Pathways to Prevention Ltd, Aspley, QLD, Australia

Lived experience of a young man lost to anorexia, and the gaps that contributed to this outcome.

Raising awareness of eating disorders and mental health in boys and young men—why they are often missed or misunderstood.

Practical early-intervention strategies through kindness, connection, and safe digital spaces.

The urgent need for more research and better recognition of boys’ experiences, particularly with eating disorders in policy and practice.