Breaking the barrier of silence
Letter to the Editor
I am in complete support of and excited from the letter from the Sept. 27th issue, "ND needs to hear silent screams of eating disorders ..." but would like to add my own comments in order to, hopefully, provoke further discussion. Although today's letter was true in all its aspects, I think the emotional and scary message that eating disorders KILL needs to again be emphasized and provoked to start changing something.
The anonymity is one reason why eating disorders continue to be "the silent disease." By the nature of an eating disorder those directly affected usually do not speak out, do not want to attend support groups and feel much embarrassment. Does it sound contradictory to you that the skeleton sitting next to you only eats the minimal amount to survive because she wants attention or because being as thin as a pin is glamorous? Of course it is contradictory, because, by that time the skeleton is caught in her own little world with her best friend — her eating disorder.
Feeling that her eating disorder is her best friend, and now probably her only friend, it is nearly impossible for her to seek out a support group. Similarly, parents, friends and family may be scared that forcing them to confront the eating disorder will strain or break their relationship. That leaves one thing ... their loved one DYING emotionally and possibly physically from an eating disorder.
So, where I am going with all of this? I am writing back to suggest what the other person didn't ... what and how does the NOTRE DAME FAMILY deal with eating disorders? After attempting to begin a campus club in support of informing the campus, to start support groups and to gather those concerned to open up discussion, I have experienced failure because of the following:
1. The silent nature of eating disorders.
2. The changing processes of those going through the disorder who can participate sometimes but not others.
3. The lack of support from the administration.
So, am I just going to complain? Sort of, I guess, because as a small group we couldn't accomplish our goals. I believe, though, that having the opportunity to write this letter could begin by challenging the, at least, 80 percent of people in the NOTRE DAME FAMILY that have been influenced by eating disorders to start asking questions, start being concerned and start acting against eating disorders before one of OUR OWN DIES (doesn't that sound morbid?). Sound out of wack? I can tell you that some of those that I consider my family already have. I am willing to help but no one person can do it on his own (a lesson that many of those with eating disorders often need to learn). So, I guess this letter is a challenge to the anonymous and the 80 percent of people that could offer help and advice, because they have experienced it. Stop seeing your FAMILY members suffer. The solution is actually even more simple than forcing an anorexic to eat, which will get none of us anywhere. The answer is to begin discussion, inform yourself and help inform others. BREAK THE SILENCE and REPLY TO MY (and the anonymous person's) CONCERNS with how you are going to stop the spread of this SAD and, even more scary, DEATHLY disorder.
JoAnna Deeter
Senior
September 27, 1999
All Viewpoint Stories for Tuesday, September 28, 1999
