Plus-sized Miss Alabama reveals shock health update caused by ‘stress and anxiety’ from vicious trolls

A plus-size beauty queen has revealed she has Bell’s Palsy due to the stress caused by trolls tarnishing her appearance.

Sara Miliken, 23, was harassed by online bullies who mocked her weight and said she didn’t deserve the title of Miss National American Alabama.

She gave an update on Sunday evening, talking about how the national attention has taken a toll on her and made her fearful of being seen in public.

Sara wrote, “When my story blew up, I felt a tremendous amount of stress and anxiety. I didn’t even feel like walking into a store or getting gas because it felt like everyone was talking about me.

“Between that and preparing for a national pageant, just trying to be Sara… I ended up with a case of Bell’s palsy. Although it is impossible to know for sure what caused it, we are confident that it was caused by the stress I experienced.”

Although the symptoms of Bell’s palsy include temporary paralysis on one side of the face and difficulty making facial expressions, the exact cause is unknown, according to the Mayo Clinic.

Sara, who made national headlines with her win, added that not being able to smile fully has added to her mental state.

‘My smile is something I have always been proud of. I love smiling at people because you never know if your smile is the only one they see today. In general, I’m a very smiley person. I’ve even joked that I have a resting smiling face.

‘Having this taken from me has been a mental battle. But I’m happy to report mentally that I feel better and have gotten things on track!

‘The good news is that this is temporary. It can last from 2 weeks to 6 months. I remain hopeful that, with lots of medication and taking it as easy as possible, I will be better soon. Keep praying for me because I would love to have my smile back!”

Sara, who made national headlines with her win, added that not being able to smile fully has added to her mental state

Sarah was overjoyed when she won the top prize in the National American Miss pageant

Sara’s victory Over Memorial Day weekend, it sparked online hate as vicious trolls attacked her for her weight, sometimes confusing Sara’s pageant with Miss Alabama.

She spoke to earlier WKRG about the damage online bullying can do to someone.

“Even something you type on a screen can leave a lasting impression on people,” she said. “Even though I’m not at that point yet, it can lead to people doing very dark things to themselves.”

Sara is determined not to let the harsh criticism hold her back as she prepares for the national finals in Florida over Thanksgiving.

Her victory in Alabama was her third attempt at the competition, which hopes to “promote positive self-image by enhancing the natural beauty within.”

It was the first time that a plus-size contestant won the pageant.

She responded to an open call and participated in Memorial Day Weekend by participating in a series of interviews, volunteer work and presentations.

But her joy was short-lived as mean trolls soon started taunting her about her appearance

She is determined not to let the harsh criticism hold her back as she prepares for the national finals held in Florida over Thanksgiving.

According to the organizers, scoring in the election is based on ‘personality, trust and communication’.

“Braces, glasses, skin problems, different heights, weights and appearances are all part of creating the special and unique person that you are and that we want to celebrate,” the website says.

Sara admitted she was shocked by the response to her win, but has since received a lot of support from around the world, gaining 2,500 followers on Instagram and Facebook overnight.

“No matter what your body looks like, no matter where you come from, you can do anything you put your mind to,” Milliken said after her win.

Sara, from Atmore, Alabama, works as an esthetician and makeup artist and is a graduate of Reid State Technical College.

She co-hosts a podcast called Girls Gotta Glow and is an advocate for body positivity.