Penn State kicker Joey Julius released a public statement Monday morning in regards to his battle with an eating disorder. The 258 pound kicker stated that he had been battling depression and bulimia and decided to seek treatment. Julius missed both 2016 spring and summer workouts with the football team earlier this year. No one was aware of the reason for his absence until now.
Julius explained on Facebook that he was admitted to an eating disorder center in St. Louis from May 9 to July 26.
Julius did not mention how long he has been battling with his eating disorder or why he decided to speak up now rather than earlier, but he thanked James Franklin and the football staff for their constant support.
Julius also wanted to reach out to anyone who was struggling and/or that was in a similar situation as him.
"If anyone – and I mean anyone, guy or girl – is struggling with the same or anything similar, please message me as I will be in immediate contact to help in any way I can to provide information or insight on my struggles," he said, adding, "And I would love to help."
From thousands of Penn State football fans around the world and myself, Julius deserves a thank you. He has spoken up about something that people often believe is "unspeakable" in human society. He has spoken up about something that people believe as “weak."
He has spoken up about something that is often not talked about, and quite frankly, many people are uneducated about. He has spoken out about something that is undermined in society. He has spoken up about something that should not be feared.
Most people think eating disorders are about food. That is not the case at all. Although some individuals stop consuming food due to self-esteem and body issues, eating disorders arise out of a loss of control. You feel like you cannot control your own life, so you turn to the one thing that you can control: food.
From personal experience, I have battled with a severe eating disorder since I was 13 years old. I have been in full recovery and have learned methods to control my self-esteem issues, as well as anxiety problems. Because I went through something so severe and not talked about at such a young age, I had to learn how to mature as a pre-teen. I had to figure out who I was as a person at a time when my body wasn’t physically developed. I had to learn how to be physically and psychology healthy when all the media focused on was skeleton models. I had to learn why I developed an eating disorder when I had no knowledge or education as to what one entailed.
I was too young to be admitted to a hospital and seek help, so I took it upon myself to turn my life around on my own. I realized I wanted to be healthy. I realized I had ones around me that loved me. I realized that there were reasons to be proud of myself. I realized that I could eventually learn to love myself.
To anyone who has had an eating disorder or is currently struggling with one, do not be afraid to speak out. It is not worth it to hide. Eating disorders are sneaky diseases that are life threatening.
They are diseases that turn you into someone you never knew existed. They are diseases that take over your life, both consciously and unconsciously. They are diseases that make you feel alone and worthless. They are diseases that affect any gender and any age.
Although eating disorders are about everything involved in life: stress, acceptance, coping, pain, and fear; millions of victims suffering can be rescued by the actions of people today.
If you or someone you love is struggling with an eating disorder, call the National Eating Disorders Association Helpline at 1-800-931-2237.
Save someone’s life before they no longer can save themselves.
