Colin Jackson admits being pushed to bulimia by ‘unrealistic beauty standards’ – despite winning world championships
INSTAGRAM and shows like Love Island have had a massive impact on how blokes see themselves.
The pressure to buff up is immense - and that can have devastating effects on men’s mental health.
But the stress to look as physically fit as possible isn’t necessarily a new thing, and it doesn’t just affect the average Joe.
Colin Jackson is a two-time world champion, four-time European champion, two-time Commonwealth Games champion and an Olympic silver 110m hurdles medalist.
And at the height of his career, the pressure to look a certain way grew so huge that he became bulimic.
“When you’re in athletics, you’re always thinking about how you look and if you don't feel like you look fit for the job, then you convince yourself that you’re not fit for the job,” Colin told The Sun.
Constantly surrounded by ultra fit, ripped young men who he was both training with and competing against led to Colin continuously comparing himself to them.
“I had that internal competition with myself and that external competition with my fellow athletes - so you can see how it was massively challenging physically and mentally.”
From the age of 24 until his mid-30s, the presenter was bulimic.
“My coaches didn’t know about that.
“I’m pretty sure it took a toll on my sport - I’d have been much better if I’d have had a proper nutritionist who could have guided me through my issues.”
Because he was so deeply into his disorder, however, Colin believes that even if someone had tried to intervene, he wouldn’t have accepted their help.
Symptoms of bulimia
BULIMIA is a debilitating condition which affects around 165,000 people in the UK - and an increasing number of those affected are men.
Bulimia is a complex condition which is believed to be caused by a number of factors and other mental health problems.
Cycles of binge-eating and purging can be triggered by hunger or stress, or may be a way to cope with emotional anxiety.
There may also be a genetic link, but bulimia is more commonly linked to low self-esteem, depression, alcohol abuse or stress.
Princess Diana famously struggled with the condition following her engagement to Prince Charles.
Elton John, Karen Carpenter, Freddy Flintoff, Russel Brand, Mel C, Geri Halliwell and Lindsay Lohan all suffered from the condition too.
Love Island star Jessica Shears recently revealed that she too suffered from the condition, and urged fellow sufferers to get help.
Symptoms to watch out for can include:
- eating very large amounts of food in a short time, often in an out-of-control way – this is called binge eating
- making yourself vomit, using laxatives, or doing an extreme amount of exercise after a binge to avoid putting on weight – this is called purging
- fear of putting on weight
- being very critical about your weight and body shape
- mood changes – for example, feeling very tense or anxious
“As anyone with bulimia or anorexia will tell you, it’s not about other people, it’s about how you personally feel - it doesn't matter what anyone else is saying to you.
“I had no energy.”
It might sound weird that no one was picking up on that fatigue, given Colin’s job, but he maintains that when you’re still breaking world records, no one wants to rock the boat.
You have to be so careful about the language around young sports people - they’re all vulnerable
Colin Jackson
When it comes to avoiding other young people going down that destructive path, Colin says language is key.
“You have to be so careful about the language around young sports people - they’re all vulnerable,” he says.
For him, his insecurities began with teasing from other teammates who’d compare ab muscles.
He said that spending five hours a day being asked about his perceived lack of abs became “really destructive” - and coaches failed to intervene.
“It was the norm,” he said of his daily fight with bulimia.
“It was my normal way of feeling - I was always tired, moody, miserable. I always ached, everything was a constant battle. Waking up and getting out of bed.
“Even the highs of smashing records didn’t affect things.”
Keen to chase the next high, Colin received little praise and gave himself no time to bask in his victories.
“Imagine being the best in the world and it’s the world champions and you’re supposed to win the title. You’re supposed to do it.
“It’s like being at uni and having an essay to write - you’re supposed to pass, you’re not expected to sit around all day playing games. You’re just doing what you’re supposed to do. You don’t dwell on it for very long, you just ask ‘what’s next?’.
“I’ve always been very controlled in what I did and thought, it was about me and myself, me and my family, me and my training group. I never went to the press to brag. The pressure was always internal. It’s like with exams and job interviews - you go for it and only you know how hard you’re going to push. It’s all about you.”
Of course, one of the issues in athletics is that the lighter and stronger you are, the faster you are.
So there’s more of a push to be as light as possible.
Today, Colin believes, people are in a better position because more of us talk openly about mental health.
YOU'RE NOT ALONE
EVERY 90 minutes in the UK a life is lost to suicide.
It doesn't discriminate, touching the lives of people in every corner of society - from the homeless and unemployed to builders and doctors, reality stars and footballers.
It's the biggest killer of people under the age of 35, more deadly than cancer and car crashes.
And men are three times more likely to take their own life than women.
Yet it's rarely spoken of, a taboo that threatens to continue its deadly rampage unless we all stop and take notice, now.
That is why The Sun launched the You're Not Alone campaign.
The aim is that by sharing practical advice, raising awareness and breaking down the barriers people face when talking about their mental health, we can all do our bit to help save lives.
Let's all vow to ask for help when we need it, and listen out for others... You're Not Alone.
If you, or anyone you know, needs help dealing with mental health problems, the following organisations provide support:
- CALM, , 0800 585 858
- Heads Together,
- Mind, , 0300 123 3393
- Papyrus,, 0800 068 41 41
- Samaritans, , 116 123
“People understand that it’s normal to have those downs, to ask questions, to seek help. If you can talk about your problems, you can get help.
“People perceive it more of a strength these days. You have no burdens so you can put a real focus on the job at hand.”
And that’s the case whether you’re a competitive athlete or a normal guy trying to get on with life while being bombarded with unrealistic body standards on TV and online.
How you feel today, trust me you’ll look back and reflect and go ‘wow!’
Colin Jackson
“I’m 52 now and I look at myself when I was 26. I remember thinking, ‘oh gosh, I really don’t look in great shape’ but now, when I look at the pictures of me back then, I think how much I wish I had that body!” Colin reflected.
“How you feel today, trust me you’ll look back and reflect and go ‘wow!’.
The key signs your loved one is at risk of suicide
There are several warning signs that a person is at risk of suicide. But it's vital to know that they won't always be obvious.
While some people are quite visibly in pain and become withdrawn and depressed, others may continue their life as normal pretending everything is fine.
Look out for subtle personality changes in friends and family, especially if you know they have been going through a tough time, Lorna told The Sun Online.
These are the key signs to watch out for:
- A change in routine, such as sleeping or eating less than normal
- Struggling to sleep, lacking energy or appearing particularly tired
- Drinking, smoking or using drugs more than usual
- Finding it hard to cope with everyday things
- Not wanting to do things they usually enjoy
- Becoming withdrawn from friends and family – not wanting to talk or be with people
- Appearing more tearful
- Appearing restless, agitated, nervous, irritable
- Putting themselves down in a serious or jokey way, for example 'Oh, no one loves me', or 'I'm a waste of space'
- Losing interest in their appearance, not liking or taking care of themselves or feeling they don't matter
“Don't waste time on reflecting, just enjoy what you have today. Live in the moment.”
Colin is also working with Gavin Whichello, founder of leading training provider Qube Learning and professor at SurreyIDEA, in recognising the benefits of apprenticeships and traineeships for those choose not to or don't have access to a more traditional academic route.
Many individuals on the programmes have overcome challenges such as anxiety, confidence issues, bereavement, homelessness and more to succeed.
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