By the Health Center
“For women in this culture, whether they have an eating disorder or not, it is a struggle and an accomplishment to own, accept and respect their body.” — Dr. Renee Balthrop
Writing on the topic of body acceptance issues is difficult. There are these questions of why? Men and women alike struggle with the person they see in the mirror.
Unrealistic expectations about appearance practically imprison thousands of people. College-age women are very much at risk of having unrealistic views of themselves. And men have their own issues with body acceptance. While women feel the need to fit the Barbie image, men sometimes feel pressure to look like Arnold Schwarzenegger. Unfortunately, people with body acceptance issues are at risk for eating disorders as well.
When I look in the mirror, what do I see? Do I see what the world sees? Do I look and feel bigger than what I am? Is my hair bigger than what it really is? Can everyone see the pimple on my nose? Why is the way I look so important to me? Why don’t my clothes fit right? Why do my muscles not look like the other guys at the gym? Why do I sweat so much when I am giving a presentation? I wonder if Internet dating is safer, no one needs to see the way I look? Why did my parents always say that I would never get a date because I was fat? I eat only vegetables, why am I still so fat? I feel so out of control sometimes that I eat everything in sight and feel gross after, why do I continue to do this? I exercise five times a week, why do I still feel like I’m not skinny enough? When will I like who I am? Why does the world judge me by my appearance?
As you read through these questions, what type of feelings are you experiencing? Did you start to ask yourself other questions? Are you wondering how your thinking is contributing to your behaviors and choices? Are you concerned about yourself, friends or family members? Do you wonder what type of support is available to facilitate an acceptance and appreciation of who you are?
There are several resources available for people struggling with body acceptance. The Student Health Center at ext. 4316, Student Counseling Center and Nutritional Services at ext. 4210 are available to help students with physical, emotional and nutritional needs that are associated with body image issues. Please call if you find yourself struggling with any of these issues. Wouldn’t it be great if we could live in a world with total acceptance of self and others?
— Seeing someone else when you look in the mirror? Have some unhealthy eating habits? Call the Health Center at ext. 4316.
March 13, 2003
