Myrto Korovesi, independent MP and former journalist, has spoken publicly for the first time about her struggle with anorexia nervosa at age 16 — a deeply personal revelation aimed at offering hope and guidance to others facing similar challenges. In an interview with journalist Sasha Stamati for the Secret supplement of Parapolitika, Korovesi described how what began as a seemingly harmless teenage diet with friends quickly spiraled into a serious eating disorder.
A Slippery Slope in Adolescence
Korovesi recalled that, like many teenagers, she and her peers wanted to ‘improve’ their bodies — a vague, socially reinforced goal rooted more in insecurity than health. What started as a plan to lose two or three kilos escalated rapidly: within just two months, she had lost twelve or thirteen kilos. For someone already slender, the drop was alarming — a red flag that signaled the onset of clinical anorexia. She remembers weighing less than 45 kilos at her lowest point.
The Lifeline of Support
Crucially, Korovesi emphasized that her recovery was made possible by early intervention and unwavering support — especially from her parents and teachers. Her parents didn’t dismiss the warning signs; instead, they stood by her throughout the ordeal, helping her understand that beauty isn’t defined by a number on the scale, but by physical health, inner strength, and psychological balance. Her high school teachers also played a vital role, offering compassion and consistency during a turbulent time.
A Call for Systemic Change
Today, Korovesi advocates strongly for mental health awareness — particularly among children and adolescents. Drawing from her own experience, she stresses the urgent need for qualified psychologists to be permanently embedded in Greece’s public schools. She notes that while she herself didn’t feel fear at the time — due to the naivety and developmental immaturity typical of adolescence — her parents were profoundly frightened. Now, over a decade later, she hopes her story will help families recognize early signs and act decisively.
Her openness is part of a broader effort to destigmatize mental illness and reinforce the idea that seeking help is not a sign of weakness — but of courage and self-respect.