Depression in the Greek system?
This is something I've been wondering for a while after an extremely unpleasant experience at my school (Vanderbilt, obviously). Does it count as hazing if the group deliberately torments a member who has already been initiated? The situation was this: I had been a member of a sorority for several years, and had even served as an officer, when I told my sisters that I suffered from depression. Shortly afterwards, a group of officers started calling me in to honor board every time I slipped up - in one situation, I politely objected to a school-wide rule which I felt was unfair; I was one of at least ten girls in my chapter who did so. I was the only one who was called in to honor board and I was shouted at, told I was besmirching the honor of my sorority, etc etc. This sort of thing happened a couple times a month for several months. I sunk deeper and deeper into depression and stopped going out; after a particularly bad incident, I stopped eating and didn't go to class for several days. Then I got my psychiatrist to write them a letter asking them to stop harrassing me because it was worsening my depression. I requested Early Alumna Status because I really loved my sorority and didn't want to give up membership but I needed time off so that I could get my stuff together. They ignored the letter and, instead, demanded that I attend more events and take over the duties of several officers (who were neglecting those duties). I was honest and told them that I could not handle any more responsibility and that I really needed to focus on myself for a while.
They kicked me out. I never got a real explanation for why - I was told that I was no longer considered an asset to the organization. All of my former sisters stopped speaking to me (all except two, actually) and would give me the Eye of Shame whenever they passed me (I heard that the officers in question told everyone I couldn't hack it and quit).
Does this situation count as hazing? I believe it should, and I sincerely hope that it's only a problem in my former chapter. Because if not, then the Greek system needs to take a serious look at their position on mental illness and depression.
I also wanted to air this in case people have similar stories and because it's something that has really stuck with me and upset me. The thing is, I was a good sister. I took friends to the hospital when they were sick, I sat up with friends when they were upset, I always helped out whenever anyone needed it, I attended every competition and event (even though I'm completely uncoordinated and generally just stood to one side, cheering)... I really loved my sorority and I totally bought into the whole Greek thing. I would talk people's ears off about how awesome it was. And then, when I tried to get some help from my sisters... they turned their backs on me and treated me like a leper.
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