Oakland University observed Eating Disorder Awareness Week Feb. 25 through Feb. 28 by hosting several events based on the theme “Everybody Knows Somebody.”

Events included “Love Your Body Yoga,” “Bye, Bye Barbie: Fighting Media Messages,” a movie screening of “Someday Melissa,” eating disorder screenings and “Body Monologues.”

“The whole idea behind awareness week is to bring it to the front of everyone’s mind. We bring these ideas forward into everyone’s mind so they become more aware and more sensitive to it,” said Julie Proctor, wellness coordinator at Graham Health Center.

Be aware: Words can hurt

“If we are more sensitive to the whole issue, then we will watch our language,” Proctor said.  “We can trigger someone into an eating disorder.”

Proctor’s niece, who was a cheerleader, has struggled with an eating disorder for three years after asking to be a flyer on her sixth grade team.

“Her coach, without really even thinking, said, ‘Honey, you’re too big.’ She’s this tiny thing. But, she wasn’t as light as the girl who really was the flyer. That triggered her eating disorder. Three years later she is still in the midst of her eating disorder,” Proctor said.

Bethany Helfman, a clinical psychologist at Helfman and Associates, spoke about the prevalence of eating disorders. She said that one in four Americans either suffer or know someone who suffers from one.

Helfman and Patrrizia Jesue, a registered dietitian at Nutrition Counseling Center, collaborated to help Oakland students observe awareness week.

Body Monologues at Oakland University

A performance of “Body Monologues” was held Feb. 28. After the performance, attendees shared their testimonies.

The scripts performed at the event were originally written by the Body Peace Core at University of Michigan, a group of men and women who struggled with eating disorders or body image issues.

The actors were selected by Oakland Professor Charlie Rinehart. Rinehart’s background is in communication, wellness injury prevention health science as well as performance studies.

Colleen Brendell, a junior health science major, was one of the actors in “Body Monologues.”

“Professor Rinehart talked to me about ‘Body Monologues’ in class. My cousin has actually struggled with an eating disorder, so I could relate to this,” Brendell said.

A Story of Survival

After the performance testimonies, survivors shared their experiences to support others.

“It’s important for those in the audience who are suffering with an eating disorder to see that someone has gone through it, and lived through it,” Jesu said. “I selected patients I have personally worked with, or some of my colleagues have worked with that had a journey with their eating disorder and have moved out of a dark place they’ve been in.”

Jack Hemp, a business owner in Royal Oak, shared his 18-year struggle with Oakland students.

Hemp’s battle started out as a bet with a friend to see who could lose the most weight in a month. What started out as a normal diet grew, and slowly took over.

“There was a passion for it. It was a great feeling,” he said. “In the beginning it was okay. Then the exercise got out of control to where I was peddling a stationary bike 50 miles a day, doing 3000 sit ups and sleeping two hours a day because I was still working.”

As a result of his eating disorder, Hemp also lost one of his longtime passions — music.

“I love concerts and live music,” he said. “My son and I went to a lot of shows together. But, I did not do that anymore. For at least 14 years I played no music.”

One Sunday while raking, Hemp’s body gave him a message he could not ignore.

His kidneys shut down.

“It was all very real. This was not a revelation for me to get recovery. This was me realizing I was going to die if I didn’t stop,” he said.

After going through treatment, Hemp could find enjoyment in music again.

“I’m not a preacher and this isn’t a great revelation, I’m just back to living my life,” Hemp said.

Everybody Knows Somebody

David Schwartz, director of the OU Counseling Center at Graham Health Center, said they offer free anonymous screenings.

“In most cases, when a student comes in there will be an evaluation to make sure we can give them the care they need. In many cases, if someone has an eating disorder they need to have a nutritionist, psychologist and a dietitian. We can provide some of those things but if it’s someone who needs more we will refer them to a local community center,” Schwartz said.

Jesu, a dietitian, said gentle persistence is key when trying to talk to loved ones if they are struggling with an eating disorder.

“Learn as much as you can about eating disorders so when you do approach your loved one you have information to give them and give them resources to help,” Helfman said.