Eating Disorder Awareness Week

Talia Gutierrez

Comm 3330-4

Assignment #2: Interview Final Draft

February 14, 2011

I had a discussion with Caroline Ariemma, a first-year freshman at Kennesaw State University. She is a member of Delta Phi Epsilon Sorority, whose philanthropy donates to the Anorexia Nervosa and Associated Disorders Foundation, and a supporter of Eating Disorder Awareness Week which is coming to the Kennesaw State University campus Feb. 21-24. Ariemma suffered from this disease in high school and is now dedicated to spreading the word to fellow students about how dangerous the effects of this disease can be.

Q: How did you hear about eating disorder awareness week at Kennesaw State University?

A: I attend an ANAD meeting on Thursdays at the Collegiate Recovery Center on campus, and one of the dietitians was in our meeting and informed us about the great week that KSU has planned for Eating Disorder Awareness.   
Q: Have you ever participated in an event that helps spread awareness about eating disorders?
A: No. However I have always wanted to. Being from a small town our resources were limited and the topic of eating disorders was always something no one spoke about.  
Q: Why are you interested in eating disorder awareness week?
A: Three years ago when I was a junior in high school I was diagnosed with anorexia and bulimia and, unfortunately, I am still struggling with these diseases today. No one around me has ever really understood what I go through and I often feel very alone. Many people assume that an eating disorder is something a person can just stop whenever they want to. Not many people realize that it is an actual mental disease.
Having Eating Disorder Awareness week on campus is amazing to me because it will inform people about the diseases so they can become more understanding towards those who suffer and encourage people who are struggling with an eating disorder to ask for help.  
Q: How do these types of programs or events make you feel after all you've been through them?
A: When I first learned about the Eating Disorder Awareness week I felt happy that people care enough about those struggling, to dedicate a whole week to teaching others about what they go through.
I was also relieved that maybe now more students might come forward and receive help once they learn about all of the resources that KSU has to offer. I know how much I have struggled and still struggle, so to think that hopefully during this week at least one person might get help and not let their disorder get as bad as mine did makes me feel delighted.  
Q: Which KSU event are you looking forward to the most that week?
A: I am most looking forward to seeing my peers and sorority sisters hand out Post It notes to people with positive phrases on them. It is very empowering to see others getting involved with something that I am so passionate about. I am excited to see the positive energy from everyone involved throughout the week. There is something special about reading something that tells you that you’re beautiful or pretty. I am happy that many people will receive those words, and I cannot wait to see their smiles.  
Q: How are you going to get involved?
A: I plan on attending all the events and passing out Post It notes with positive phrases. I am in contact with the coordinator and I will help in any way that I am needed. 
Q: Any advice that you would give someone that has a eating disorder, but can't ask for help?
A: My advice to someone struggling with an eating disorder would first be to tell someone. An eating disorder is not something anyone can fight on his or her own. You need the help and, most importantly, support of those around you. In most cases, an eating disorder is a family disease, which means it affects not only the person, but also his or her family as well. In order to treat the disease all members must seek treatment together such as family therapy. Having someone there to talk to about the emotions and pain is also very important because he or she will not feel as though they are fighting the disease alone.  
Q: Are there any other organizations that you are involved with that help spread the word of eating disorders?
A: Yes, my sorority Delta Phi Epsilon holds a campus-wide event annually called Deepher Dudes. This event is a male beauty pageant. The pageant is supposed to dramatize the amount of stress someone is under when dealing with her appearance. This event also has a moment of silence to reflect on those who have passed from this disease. Otherwise, there are not any other organizations on campus that spread the word of eating disorders. However, there are resources to help those struggling, such as counselors, the Collegiate Recovery Center, the Wellness Center and a Healthy Body Image group located in Kennesaw Hall.

After conducting research, the University of Maryland-Baltimore has found the chances for recovery increase the earlier anorexia nervosa is detected. Therefore, it is important to be aware of some of the warning signs of anorexia nervosa. Ariemma treated her disease before it took her life.

“Eating disorders have the highest mortality rate of any other mental illness,” says South Carolina’s Department of Mental Health. “It is estimated that eight million Americans have an eating disorder – seven million women and one million men.”

Although many of Ariemma’s fellow peers are categorized in the high risk category for eating disorders, Ariemma is conquering the battle against her eating disorder. “I hate the negativity people have about their bodies. These thoughts usually arise from gossip and mean gestures towards one another, but I want more than anything for them to stop. I am going to make this week a memorable week for myself and all, to help promote being comfortable in one’s own skin,” says Ariemma.

There will be eating disorder screenings done by KSU Counseling and Psychological Service during the week of Feb. 21-24. Kennesaw State has chosen this opportunity to inform students about eating disorders, but they could also be saving a life or two.