Guest Blogger – Jerilyn Cook: Stereotype and Eating Disorders

Tuesday, June 12, 2012

Stereotype & The Disappearing Girl

By Jerilyn Cook

We’ve all seen, admired and perhaps even envied the beautiful, waif-like women who grace the pages of Vogue draped in size zero couture, flashbulbs illuminating their gaze. With each turn of the page, we are transcended into the world of fashion, where Chanel, Valentino and McQueen reign supreme and where breaking the mold is respected, but more wildly a place where everything is not at all what it seems. But behind the retouching, styling and over-production lies a global issue that affects over 10 million Americans.

Last month the Vogue brand and 19 of its editors of international editions agreed upon the newly implemented Vogue Health Initiative, which claims to make more responsible choices in inspiring healthy body image by not featuring models and talent that are struggling with an eating disorder, among other related amendments. Is this enough to shift the global conscious? Is this enough to spread awareness?

Eating disorders, such as Anorexia and Bulimia, plague over 24 million people of varying ages, genders and size and account for having the highest mortality rate of all mental illness. Only 1 out of 10 people suffering with an eating disorder seek treatment and of those people only 35% receive treatment from a facility that specialize in eating disorders. A disease of the mind that manipulates sufferers into restricting, binging, purging and overusing laxatives to obtain the unobtainable, and takes the lives of 5-10% of those who contract the illness.

As I type this I find it difficult to admit that I am a number in the aforementioned statistics. I have an eating disorder.

As a model, stylist and writer, there are times where the pressures of performing and looking the part becomes overwhelming, as I’ve struggled with body image and self-esteem my whole life. The mirror quickly became my loyal enemy, lowering the number on the scale became an obsession and food a constant source of anxiety, panic and punishment. It wasn’t until the winter of 2010 that my battle with myself came to a head as my restrictive diet, over-exercising and depression began to take a toll on my health, relationships and overall stability. I couldn’t stand without feeling like I may collapse, I couldn’t take on a flight of stairs without feeling like my heart was giving out and I couldn’t eat without guilt or shame. Worst of all, I couldn’t see my lifestyle as a problem. Thin was never thin enough and I, well I was never quite good enough. I was killing myself.

With great fear, hesitation and hopelessness, I entered recovery. I sought the help of the Inner Door Center in Royal Oak, where I was diagnosed with anorexia nervosa and treated with mediation, yoga, psychological consultations, and nutritional therapy in hopes of rebuilding the dangerous and damaging relationship I developed with food, my body and my self worth. Within the three-month program I learned how to listen to my body, nourish my body and appreciate all that my body can do, not what it lacks. Recovery taught me that life is worth living, even if it’s a steep climb. It is because of this difficult, life-altering choice that I am here today.

I’m so proud to be a contributor to a publication that supports an event that will hopefully change the lives of those in recovery and those who may need some guidance along the way. StyleLine has always featured healthy, talent in their editorials and makes great strides to continue to do so. It is also my honor to represent the Inner Door Center as they host this beautiful event to raise awareness for a cause that is in dire need of attention, activism and compassion.

The Stereotype Event this Thursday at the Detroit Opera House is a-one-of-a-kind fundraiser hosted by the Inner Door Center, sponsored by StyleLine magazine. Created in hopes of raising awareness and funds to support education, political and legislative advocacy as well as assisting in providing care for those denied insurance benefits while seeking medically pertinent treatment. With a silent art auction, strolling appetizers and cocktails accompanied by live Jazz music, I can’t think of a better way to spend an evening to support an amazing, often overlooked cause that is near and dear to my heart.

It’s been just over one year since I graduated from my recovery program and I can assure you that I’m experiencing the unbelievable benefits of accepting recovery. But that’s not to say that I don’t still have a long way to go. I’ve been told that recovery takes years and, for some, a lifetime. As hard as it is to swallow, I’ve chosen to get better no matter the fight, no matter the obstacles. We are all worthy.

If you or someone you know struggles with an eating disorder please seek help and information by logging on to:

www.nationaleatingdisorders.org

www.innerdoorcenter.com

Stereotype Event

Thursday, June 14, 6:30pm-11pm

The Detroit Opera House

www.stereotype-event.com

 

StyleTease

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