The world best knows Erin Barnett as the hot-headed blonde who burst onto television screens during 7’s Beauty and the Geek, before becoming runner-up on 9’s Love Island and ultimately escaping to the South African Jungle in 10’s I’m A Celebrity, Get Me Out Of Here! But behind her reality TV lifestyle lies a life full of doctor’s appointments, pain medications, false diagnoses, operations, and the mental, financial, and social challenges which all stem from her experience with endometriosis.
Today, to celebrate the recent release of her book Endo Unfiltered, Erin Barnett is on the blog to take on our Ten Terrifying Questions! Read on …
Erin Barnett
To begin with, why don’t you tell us a little bit about yourself – where were you born? Raised? Schooled?
EB: My name is Erin Alysha Barnett, I’m 26 years old and I’m from Melbourne.
I was born in Williams town but grew up in Werribee, moved to Bacchus Marsh when I was in grade 5. I have 3 older siblings, 1 brother and 2 sisters. Growing up I had a fun childhood, always playing with friends, doing so many different activities. Loved being very active! I didn’t really enjoy school very much, I found it hard to concentrate and just always wanted to be out having fun.
I started working when I was 12 years old, at a friend’s pizza shop – just cleaning dishes and making boxes for the pizzas. I found that I enjoyed the work life a lot! I loved being busy and making money. I went into studying nursing and really enjoyed that – I found it much easier to study something I was interested in. I’ve been on 3 reality tv shows: Beauty and the Geek, Love Island and I’m a Celebrity Get Me Out of Here. Since appearing on TV, I’ve gained a large following on social media, and I’ve just been focusing on using my platform for fun and to raise awareness for endometriosis and PCOS.
What did you want to be when you were twelve, eighteen and thirty? And why?
EB: When I was younger, I always wanted to be a flight attendant, which is crazy because I now have the biggest fear of flying. I have extreme panic attacks when I’m flying anywhere! I’m just so afraid the plane is going to fall out of the sky. So silly I know!
I did an apprenticeship when I was around 16 to be a hairdresser and that fell through because I have scoliosis, I couldn’t be on my feet that long ALL day. As I get older, my mind keeps changing on what I want to do – I’m now thinking I would love to be a CEO of a company, as I absolute love the cooperate world. I’ve even thought about running my own cosmetic business, as I love the beauty industry.
‘It’s a very raw and honest book, it’s not a self-help book, I’m not here to tell women everything is going to be okay. I’m here to help others through their hard-times.’
What strongly held belief did you have at eighteen that you don’t have now?
EB: I’m not sure how to answer this, I feel as though I’ve always been strong-minded. I’ve always done things I believe are best for me and not let anyone try to persuade me away from what I want in my life. To always trust your gut instincts.
Please tell us about your latest book!
EB: I’m so excited about this book! It’s called Endo Unfiltered – I’ve been suffering with PCOS and endometriosis since I was 14 years old. I wanted to share my experience with the world. It’s a very raw and honest book, it’s not a self-help book, I’m not here to tell women everything is going to be okay. I’m here to help others through their hard-times with endometriosis/PCOS and let them know they aren’t alone – spreading awareness is so important!
What do you hope people take away with them after reading your work?
EB: I hope people have a better understanding about what endometriosis/PCOS is and how it is affecting so many women around the world. Different treatment options that are out there to try. How to take charge of your body and get the treatment you need, to do what is best for you and your body. This is a book I wish I had when I was 14 years old going through all this – even though I had family by my side, I really didn’t understand what endometriosis or PCOS was. This book means so much to me and I really hope everyone enjoys reading it!
Many artists set themselves very ambitious goals. What are yours?
EB: My goals are to eventually be pain-free and live a “normal” life without the struggles I face day to day with a chronic illness. I want to continue to be an advocate for women around the world who are suffering with endometriosis and PCOS.
Do you have any advice for aspiring writers?
EB: My advice would be; just be yourself! Have passion for what you are writing and enjoy the process! ☺
—Endo Unfiltered: How to take charge of your endometriosis and PCOS by Erin Barnett (Murdoch Books) is out now. Limited signed copies are available while stocks last!
Endo Unfiltered: How to take charge of your endometriosis and PCOS
Limited Signed Copies Available!
In this raw, powerful, medically reviewed insider's guide, Erin Barnett - influencer, women's health advocate and star of Beauty and the Geek Australia, Love Island Australia and I'm a Celebrity . . . - shares her experience of navigating her teens and twenties while living with endometriosis and polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS).
At fourteen, Erin had the first of many pelvic surgeries. With another fifteen surgeries behind her, she's a self-taught expert when it comes to dealing with endo drama...
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