What is Anorexia?

By Valerie O'Neill 

Today I would like to educate you all on Anorexia; what it is, what the warning signs and symptoms are, and the difficulty of having it. This subject is very personal to me as not only is it my platform that I have aimed to raise awareness for as a titleholder, but I also have Anorexia. Anorexia nervosa is more than just an eating disorder, it’s a battle that consumes both the mind and body. It’s a relentless struggle with self-worth, control, and an internal voice that convinces you that you’ll never be enough. I know this because I have lived it. For the past nine years, I have fought against anorexia, facing its darkest moments and the toll it takes on every aspect of life. It has brought on me, depression, intense anxiety, suicidal thoughts, social anxiety, and one too many health issues that keeps on adding to the list as I get older. 

Now, as a titleholder, I am using my platform to bring awareness to this silent and often misunderstood illness. Too many people believe that anorexia is purely about wanting to be thin, but it goes far deeper than that. It is a complex mental health disorder, one that affects millions of people regardless of age, gender, or background. Through my advocacy, I aim to educate others on the warning signs, break the stigma surrounding eating disorders, and provide resources to those who are struggling, so that we might bring the fatality rate down. 

No one should have to fight this battle alone. My mission is to be a voice for those who feel unheard, to show that recovery is possible, and to create a world where those suffering from anorexia can find the help and hope they deserve. Anorexia has taken too much from us and it’s time to take our lives back and be in control again. 

So, let’s get into it! 

What is Anorexia? Anorexia is a serious and complex eating disorder and mental health condition characterized by an intense fear of gaining weight, a distorted body image, and extreme food restrictions. People with anorexia often go to great lengths to control their weight, including excessive dieting, compulsive exercise, or purging behaviors. Despite being dangerously underweight, individuals with anorexia typically perceive themselves as overweight and struggle with deep-seated feelings of inadequacy and self-criticism.

What are the warning signs of Anorexia?  

Refusal to eat certain foods or pushing foods around on the plate, frequent to extreme dieting, avoiding public meals or finding excuses not to eat, obsessing over the number of calories taken in, constant weighing and counting calories, the inability to maintain a medically appropriate body weight, low energy, fatigue, feeling cold constantly, insomnia, mood swings, withdraw from social activities, dizziness, anemia, heart problems, intense anxiety, low self-esteem, hair loss, bone loss, kidney problems, and low/high blood pressure. 

Now that we know what the warning symptoms of Anorexia are, let discuss the importance of acting quickly if a diagnosis is made. The longer someone lives with Anorexia, the harder it can be to counteract the disorder. This may seem like a minor problem, but Anorexia is a dangerous disorder that can cause death. In fact, it is the highest-case mortality rate for mental illnesses out there. 10,200 people die a year from Anorexia. This number really pushes the importance of getting treated right away if you suspect you or a loved one is suffering from anorexia symptoms. Because not only can Anorexia also make other health risks pile up such as depression, anxiety, substance abuse, ADHD, and suicidal ideation. It also has long-term effects if left untreated. These being, malnutrition, vitamin/mineral deficiencies, loss of bone mineral density, hormone imbalances, fatigue, slow healing, and increased risk of stress fractures, cardiovascular issues, and memory loss. I really want to push the importance of catching anorexia and getting the help you need in the early stages. Because I did not catch my Anorexia in the early stages. I did not ask for help or let anyone know I am struggling and because of that, I am past the point of early recovery. Now I get sick very easily and it takes me a lot longer to recover than most, I have reduced bone density, hair loss, memory loss, and a lot of stomach issues. I personally know firsthand the setbacks Anorexia can cause in your life and that it why I am here. Because I do not want anyone to go through what I have. I want every individual struggling with an eating disorder to get the help they deserve and make a full recovery. Okay, now let’s now discuss the importance of a strong support system. 

The Power of a Strong Support System in Anorexia Recovery

Recovering from anorexia is not a journey that should be taken alone. Eating disorders thrive in isolation, and one of the most important factors in healing is having a strong, compassionate support system. Whether it’s family, friends, therapists, or support groups, the people surrounding someone with anorexia can make a life-changing difference in their recovery.

Why Support is Crucial

Anorexia is more than just an obsession with weight or food, it’s a deeply rooted mental health disorder that can be incredibly isolating. Many individuals struggling with anorexia experience feelings of shame, anxiety, and fear, making it difficult to reach out for help. An eating disorder such as anorexia cannot be treated like a common cold or headache; you can’t simply take a few aspirins and expect the outcome to become positive. Instead, the individual’s emotional, physical, and psychosocial health must be all treated, but for eating disorders, a person’s relationship and family dynamics are key causal factors, and they also can act as triggers for disordered behaviors.

This is why having a support system is so important:

Emotional Support: Eating disorders often come with depression, anxiety, and low self-esteem. Encouraging words, patience, and understanding can help someone feel less alone.

Accountability & Encouragement: Recovery is full of challenges. A strong support system helps keep an individual motivated, whether it’s reminding them to eat, attending therapy with them, or simply being a listening ear when they’re struggling.

Recognizing Warning Signs: Loved ones play a key role in noticing when someone is relapsing or struggling. Because anorexia often convinces a person that they don’t need help, having trusted people who can gently step in and provide guidance is vital.

Breaking the Stigma: Many people with anorexia suffer in silence due to fear of judgment. A compassionate support system reassures them that their struggles are valid, and they deserve help without shame or guilt.

How to Support Someone with Anorexia

If you know someone struggling with anorexia, here are ways to be there for them:

Listen Without Judgment: Let them share their feelings without trying to "fix" them or dismiss their emotions.

Educate Yourself: Learn about anorexia so you can better understand what they’re going through.

Encourage Professional Help: Gently suggest therapy, nutritional counseling, or medical support if they are not already receiving treatment.

Be Patient & Avoid Pressure: Recovery is a process. Avoid making comments about their weight, appearance, or eating habits. Instead, focus on their well-being, progress, and strength.

Remind Them They Are Loved: Many people with anorexia feel unworthy of love and support. Reminding them that you care and are there for them, no matter what, can be incredibly powerful.

You Are Not Alone

For anyone struggling with anorexia, please know that you don’t have to fight this battle on your own. Finding people who support, uplift, and encourage you through the highs and lows of recovery can make all the difference. You are worthy of healing, of love, and of a future free from anorexia. 

If you or someone you know is struggling, don’t be afraid to reach out. Help is available, and there are people who care and want to see you thrive. Recovery is possible, and you are never alone.

There are plenty of resources out there to support and give you the help you need. Such as, ANAD, NEDA, Eating Disorder Hope, Open Path Collective, and ACUTE Center for Eating Disorders & Severe Malnutrition. 

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Valerie O'Neill is the current Miss City of Sunshine (OR). You can find her on her title's Instagram.

She has been kind enough to write several posts for Section 36 Forevers. Be sure to read all of her guest blogs.

Forgotten to Fearless: Rising Above Poverty and Neglect

By Allyssa Defillipo

One of my favorite quotes is, “Attitude determines altitude.” It’s a mantra that carried me through some of the toughest moments of my life. I remember taping the windows of our trailer, the air thick with the scent of unwashed laundry, my hair tinged green from well water. Depression and self-harm were battles I fought silently, seeking refuge in the hallways of school. But even there, whispers and rumors scrawled across bathroom stalls followed me from day one. Still, I often relied on school lunches and food bank boxes, making school a reluctant sanctuary.

Thankfully, I had my guardian angel—my grandmother. Her gentle voice and generous heart were my safe haven. She supported me as much as she could, offering warmth and love in a world that often felt cold. But this year, cancer took her from me. The home I found in her embrace is one I’ll never feel again.

My childhood was a blur—bouncing between homes, sleeping on friends' couches, visiting my mother in visitation, and watching my father build a new family which I struggled to feel a part of. But those hardships forced me to become my own advocate, even when I felt utterly alone. I made a choice: to change my attitude and build a life I could be proud of—one that would propel me toward my dreams.

At 16, I worked tirelessly—stocking the salad bar at Sizzler, balancing cheerleading, and keeping my grades flawless. I bought my first car, saved every penny, and moved out the moment I turned 18. After high school, I became a teacher at Head Start, dedicating five years to early childhood education while earning my associate degree. It was during this time that fate introduced me to a woman on the Miss Klamath County Board of Directors, who encouraged me to enter our local MAO pageant. After just one practice, something clicked. For the first time, I felt a sense of purpose—I had the chance to use my perseverance and passions to inspire my community. In 2022, I won my first title: Miss City of Sunshine.

Health and fitness became my anchor. I had witnessed chronic illness and addiction growing up, and I was determined to break that cycle. At 18, I committed to lifting weights, eating a plant-based diet, and prioritizing my well-being like never before. It became my source of empowerment—something no one could take from me. Through connections at the gym, I found my way to the National Physique Committee, stepping onto the bodybuilding stage for the first time. I won my class, and from there, everything changed.

Wellness isn’t just a hobby—it’s my foundation. I track my workouts, habits, water intake, sleep, and nutrition, all with the goal of optimizing my performance and feeling my best. This commitment to self-improvement translated into my pageant journey, fueling my confidence in ways I never imagined. Before my NPC competition, I never believed I could win Miss Oregon. I was grateful just to be there, but deep down, I didn’t think I belonged. Losing a regional pageant only reinforced that doubt. But between that loss and Miss Oregon, something shifted. The dedication and discipline I put into my NPC show transformed me. Four weeks later, I placed in the top five at Miss Oregon.

That moment was a turning point. My confidence soared, and with it, my passion and determination. Since stepping off that stage in 2023, I’ve dedicated myself to growth—honing my skills as a speaker and singer and using my platform to advocate for nutrition access and education. Now, I help provide for people who are struggling just like I was, raising 6,000lbs of food for my local food bank, providing nutrition education to students, and creating free wellness events and supply kits in my community.

 

Winning titles in the Miss America Opportunity isn’t about the crowns; it’s proof that the struggles, the sacrifices, and the relentless work are for a greater purpose. It’s an opportunity to share my story on a larger platform, to show people that “Attitude determines altitude.” 

I feel closer to my family now more than ever, and have welcomed new siblings just this year I cannot wait to watch grow and thrive and be a stable person in their lives.

Our dreams—whether they involve a pageant title, streaming video games, or becoming a surgeon—don’t define our worth. We do. It’s our mindset, our internal dialogue, and how we treat ourselves and others that truly matter.

At the end of the day, we all face adversity. We all have moments where life tests us. But we have the power to rewrite our own narratives. So be kind—to yourself and to others—because we’re all on our own journey, discovering just how high we can soar.

With love and applause for you, wherever you are in your journey of life,

Allyssa Defillipo, Miss Klamath County 2024

2x 4th Runner Up at Miss Oregon

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Allyssa Defillipo is the current Miss Klamath County (OR). You can follow her on her title's Instagram.

This is her first guest blog for Section 36 Forevers.

Pageantry: A Doorway to Empowerment

By Arianna Shanks-Hill

I think that pageantry, in its own way, saved my life a little bit. Becoming part of the Miss America opportunity forced me to innovate and shift the concept of who I was and what I stood for. It forced me to grow out of being angry and resentful because of the things that had happened to me. I had let my abuse completely surround me, and I had taken up residency as the angry girl; the girl who couldn’t move on and move past it. As far as I was concerned, that was the version of me I was going to live and die as: stuck on the fact that it happened, and that no one came to save me. It consumed every piece of my life and for (more than) a moment in time I thought of absolutely nothing else. 

When I showed up to Miss Banks of the Wabash in 2022, I was an 18 year old girl fresh out of high school and freshly moved out of the town I grew up in. I saw so much more than a pageant that day. I saw a doorway. At first the doorway just looked like sequins and sparkles, diamonds and updos, and a way to play dress up and forget my own life. But once I stepped through that doorway, I saw a version of me that focused less on what had happened to her and more on what she could do for others. This version of me came to terms with the fact that her history could never be undone, and she was empowered by the idea that she could prevent those experiences from happening to others. This version of me stood tall and unashamed, and she refused to be told that she couldn't. I fell in love with the promises that this version of me held. 

Suddenly I didn't want to just “play dress up” as her: I wanted to be this girl. I wanted to stand for something more than just myself. I wanted to live for something other than myself; I wanted to live, period. I found joy again, and found myself again through pageantry. I threw myself into finding ways to serve others. I spent hours educating myself on domestic violence and the legal policies in place surrounding it, on resources available to survivors, on the best ways to educate others so that my story was never repeated. I showed up to every event, every service project, every opportunity to do something bigger than me. I started to believe that I was important, that I was making a difference. I began to believe that my life truly did have a purpose. I found the courage to take up space completely unapologetically. I learned to say “I belong here, and what I have to say is important”. 

My voice started to carry with a strength I thought I had long since lost… a strength I thought I would never get back. At first I cautiously asked others for platforms and stages to elevate my story, but as I grew into my bravery I began to create my own platform; one that could never again be taken away from me. Pageantry saved my life because it made me believe I was a person worth saving. Before The Gabby Project was born, and before it became a fully realized mission to end domestic violence and save others from abuse, I stepped up and saved myself from a life that was barely even a life. I made a choice to find the light. 

Then I made a choice to be the light. I was no longer going to be defined by the labels that other people gave me. Pageantry allowed me to define myself and find who I was beyond being a “victim”. For a long time I thought that was all I was ever going to be. Now, I know who I am. Arianna Shanks-Hill: advocate, pageant queen, fighter. Friend, sister, lover, dreamer, educator, survivor. 

That’s the beautiful thing about what Miss America has done for me: empowered me to be exactly who I am with the fiercest pride.  

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Arianna Shanks-Hill is the current Miss Tippecanoe (Indiana). You can find her on her title's Instagram and/or her personal Instagram. She is also frequent and valued contributor to Section 36 Forevers. Be sure to read all of her guest blogs.

To learn more about Arianna, feel free to check out her Interview with Section 36.

Healthy vs. Unhealthy Comparison

By Anna-Claire Musick

Pageantry is a challenging hobby. It asks us to grow, reflect, expand our minds, reach for new opportunities, and observe the experiences of others. It’s one of the very few hobbies I know of that almost requires a social media presence, and it places us in a position of comparison on a daily basis. How do we know when that comparison is helpful and effective? How do we know when it’s time for a break or a gentle reset? I like to approach it from the perspective of a mental health professional.

In my undergraduate years, I studied communication and public relations with a focus on interpersonal communication, organizational communication, and small business branding. I felt sure I knew all there was to know about publicity and public relations, but then I began my master’s degree in clinical mental health counseling. It was a 180° turn that still surprises me to this day. I started taking a closer look at the personal impacts of social media, community building, self-image, and the challenging art of comparison. I now work as a therapist in the state of Wyoming and see firsthand the negative impacts of being on social media consistently from a young age. You would think I would be pushing for less screen time and the end of social media entirely…but I don’t. Why do you suppose that is?

I believe that comparison can be a healthy tool for personal development if we have the tools to check in with ourselves and reflect effectively on what we take in. Surprisingly, I still see the good in social media, especially in the pageant community. Social media gives us access to women not only across our home states but around the world. We have the chance to view the experiences of others and be inspired by them at the touch of a button. When we approach this massive amount of access and information with the correct mindset, we can grow our own experience into a journey of transformation and growth! Which brings us to the ultimate question: What is the right mindset?

I like to break this down into three important skills:

1. Emotional Vocabulary
2. Values Identification
3. Authenticity Detection

These may sound entirely foreign to you, or they may fall right in line with what you already know about comparison. Let’s dive a bit deeper!

1. Emotional Vocabulary

Step one in making your social media a place of healthy comparison is being able to accurately check in with yourself about the way the content you take in makes you feel. If we don’t have the words to describe our feelings, how can we be in tune with them? One of my go-to resources for building emotional vocabulary is the Feelings Wheel, which can be found at https://feelingswheel.com/  on your computer or mobile device. The Feelings Wheel provides great structure for checking in with ourselves, and it is incredibly easy to access. I often suggest starting with the center words and moving your way out. For example, if we check in with ourselves and arrive at the word “Bad,” that isn’t very descriptive. It doesn’t tell us much about the meaning behind our feelings, nor does it give us a starting point to enact change. If we move to the next layer and select “Busy,” that gives us a bit more context. We don’t feel bad because we’re bored or tired; we feel bad because we’re busy. Moving on to the next layer, we can get even more specific. The Feelings Wheel asks us to consider if we are feeling rushed or pressured in relation to our busyness. If we are feeling pressured, perhaps our next step is to find the source of the pressure and consider what we can and cannot control about it. If we are feeling rushed, then we might want to look at our schedule and time management skills. Rather than using a basic word for our feelings as we check in with ourselves, we can use something specific that inspires action! The same can be true of creating a healthy space on social media.

When we see certain types of content, we often have an immediate reaction. We feel something when we read posts, see images, watch videos, or hear from online personalities. What we might not be doing is taking the time to consider what those feelings are in more depth. I run several social media pages, and each feed looks completely different based on the goals of the page itself. Regardless of the goals, I take this skill with me into the creation of my feed and the content I put out into the world. I want to see content that inspires me, encourages me, and helps me reach my goals. By viewing my feed with a high level of emotional vocabulary, I can tailor what I take in to create the feelings I want to have.

For example, if I am creating a feed for my titleholder account, I want to feel inspired, uplifted, and happy. The pages I follow will look completely different than someone who wants to feel informed, challenged, and introspective! When we understand our feelings, we can customize our environment; all it takes is a little skill-building and time.

2. Values Identification

Step two in developing a growth-focused, positive space online is identifying your values and sticking to them. When you scroll through your feed, you should be able to ask yourself, “How does this content bring me closer to my values?” and be able to make a direct connection. For many, identifying their values can be difficult because it isn’t something we are regularly asked to do. One way to begin is by choosing a power word, or choosing a few power words, and connecting them to deeper meaning in our lives. I created a “Values Identification Exercise” worksheet that is available for free on Teachers Pay Teachers. You can find it here in the Live Well Worksheet Shop to get started on identifying your values.

The worksheet will first ask you to review a long list of power words, eliminating the ones that create negative feelings or feel irrelevant to who you are. Then, you review the remaining words and find 10 that stick out to you. You will then be asked to write those words down and select a top 5. After your top 5 words have been selected, you will be given the chance to reflect on each and connect it to your life in some way. For some, you may notice that just two or three words really stand out as a match when you begin writing more intently about them. That is completely okay! I personally have 4 values that I’ve carried with me for a long time because each of those words has an easily identifiable deeper meaning in my life.

After completing this exercise, it will be much easier to make decisions about your online presence and the content you choose to take in. Knowing off the top of your head what your values are allows you to reflect on them frequently in your day-to-day life. With your values in mind, you can approach your social media and potential comparison with a built-in filter. If the content you’re taking in or the interactions you are having don’t align with your values, you can seek out something more effective!

3. Authenticity Detection

Step three in ensuring your time on social media is spent building yourself up, rather than tearing yourself down, is doing an authenticity check among those you follow. If we are comparing ourselves or our journey to a journey that is inauthentic or solely a highlight reel, then we are doing ourselves a huge disservice. You’ve already developed the skills to better understand your emotions and readily consider your values; this step combines them both. Authenticity is where feelings and values meet!

When I look at a social media page, I look for the content that speaks to who the person is, not just what they do. If the entire page is focused only on accomplishments with no behind-the-scenes or personal reflection, I know I’m in the wrong place for my goals. Now, let’s get the story straight. If someone wants to build a highlight reel on social media or create a space that simply documents their big moments, more power to them! Social media is a great place to create a sort of scrapbook of your most special moments. Those just aren’t the pages we want to use for healthy comparison because there are only ups, no downs. Nothing makes me happier than seeing a charming bloopers reel on Instagram, a thoughtful reflection on Facebook, a behind-the-scenes video on TikTok, or a topic deep dive on Substack!

When we want to engage in healthy comparison, we need to look for someone who shares the ups and downs of their journey in a way that speaks to our values and makes us feel something! I often turn to titleholders I share values or experiences with for this kind of content. I look for other local titleholders in the Miss America Organization, from smaller towns like mine, who are making a difference in ways that matter to me. I also look to state and national titleholders for inspiration as I make plans for the kind of impact I hope to make in the future. Some say comparison is the thief of joy. I say comparison, done thoughtfully and intentionally, is the foundation for growth and goal-setting!

I can recall my earliest days involved in pageantry, and I looked up to some pretty incredible women. As I got older, I began engaging with comparison, and it took me a long time to get it right. Comparison can be a vital tool in the development of your journey as a titleholder and an individual once you learn to use it for good. When we compare surface-level differences, we can often find ourselves uninspired and unaware of the journey that brought us to a different final result than someone else. When we take the time to truly reflect and consider that each individual has their own journey to their goals, we can find inspiration, ideas, and encouragement in the comparison. I hope you will take the time to consider the skills we’ve walked through today and use them to create positive, inspiring comparisons in your life!

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Anna-Claire Musick is the current Miss Cheyanne (WY). You can follow her on her title's Instagram.

This is her first guest blog for Section 36 Forevers.