Delta Phi Epsilon Creates Website to Raise Awareness on Eating Disorders
“Love yourself unconditionally just as you love those closest to you despite their faults.”
This is just one of the many quotes that the girls of the University’s Delta Phi Epsilon sorority have displayed on the new website they developed to raise awareness about the commonality of eating disorders.
“I just want to spread awareness and let people know that you’re not alone; you can get better,” said website creator and Delta Phi Epsilon’s Vice President of Programming, junior, Marisa Meiskin.
Meiskin created the website and it has been revamped a few times since then. Upon returning from Winter Break, the website went through Head of Greek Life, Tyler Havens and then Delta Phi Epsilon’s headquarters before a press release was written about the site and it went out on the national website.
“I feel like every girl experiences body issues, you just have to learn to cope with it,” said Meiskin.
The website includes a main page with pictures of the girls of the Delta Phi Epsilon Chapter including sayings like “No body is perfect” and “Don’t let anything get you down…especially when you have so much to live for.”
There is also a section titled, “Speak Up” where there are pictures of both women and men holding index cards with written sayings on them about being beautiful and facts about eating disorders.
“This site helps to promote positive body image and self appreciation. And most importantly to show that recovery is possible through the numerous lives touched and changed,” the Delta Phi Epsilon Delta Omega Chapter says in the “About” section of the website.
They also recognize the three main eating disorders: Anorexia Nervosa, Bulimia Nervosa, and Binge Eating Disorder (ANAD), to inform the public about the types of eating disorders that many people deal with today.
The website also contains a “Contact” page and a “Spread Love” page so people can leave comments about the site and post stories and experiences of their own anonymously.
“It’s like a support group where people can e-mail and post anonymously,” said Delta Phi Epsilon Sorority President, junior, Kaitlyn Muller.
Videos are also posted on the site for people to view about eating disorders as well as a link to an article that tells you how to show support to people you may know with an eating disorder.
“This is what I put all my love and focus on,” said Meiskin. “Everyone has been supportive.”
Other sororities such as Phi Sigma Sigma have really responded to the website as well as Delta Phi Epsilon sororities from other schools.
“I would ideally like it to go beyond Monmouth,” said Meiskin.
The girls are hoping to one day be able to talk about their website on a talk show like Good Day America or Ellen to really branch out in creating awareness.
“I don’t plan on stopping anytime soon,” said Meiskin. “The bigger we can get it, the better.”
Meiskin also says that she really wants to reach out to parents as well so they can work with their child who might be going through an eating disorder.
“I’m proud of her for stepping up and doing it and going above and beyond,” said Muller.
On Sunday, February 26, Delta Phi Epsilon will be holding a vigil in Anacon Hall from 4:00 to 6:00 pm. The vigil will include speakers who will talk about eating disorders, a video will be shown, and they will go through and discuss the website.
The website can be found at http://www.wix.com/dphiedeltaomega/speakupspreadlove. If you would like to speak at the vigil, please contact Marisa Meiskin at s0739784@monmouth.edu.
PHOTO COURTESY of www.wix.com
