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Looking at Body Image from the Inside Out

March 18, 2015 By Ashley 25 Comments

When I was younger I went through a lot of turmoil. One of the side effects of this was developing an eating disorder. At the time I didn't know what to call it and I definitely did not have any one trying to stop me. In fact it was the opposite, I was getting complimented on how thin I was becoming. Thankfully I out stubborned myself and sought help. Today I try to be conscious of how I speak to others and myself about body images and health.

Especially with a young daughter, I do not want her to grow up with that weight on her shoulders, trying to be “perfect.” 

Rock Recovery, Healthy Body Image, Body Image Disorder, Help for Eating Disorders, #IHadNoIdea

I recently attended an informative brunch hosted by Rock Recovery, a local organization that supports the journey to freedom from disordered eating by providing services that are accessible to individuals & by empowering through community education. They hold workshops, events, as well as  individual and community based programs to achieve that goal of freedom. 

Rock Recovery makes it possible for clients to pursue recovery without giving up their daily life. With support systems, education, and the feeling of belonging, this organization knows how to reach people where they are and help them move forward in a positive way. 

Rock Recovery

Even though I am actively involved in the health and wellness community I sat there shocked by what I was hearing. I truly had no idea how high the statistics are for eating disorders. My problems came out of my mental state at the time. Now years later, doctors are finally seeing the relationship between your mental health and your body image. 

Every BODY is Different  

  • 46% of children ages 9-11 are on some sort of diet (what?!)
  • 20 million women & 10 million men will have an eating disorder
  • Eating disorders are now classified as mental illnesses

The most empowering aspect of attending that event was when we all came together to brainstorm how to help those around us and in our circle of influence promote healthy body images. It starts with our words. How are we speaking or writing about others, ourselves? As a community of media representatives we need to counteract all the unrealistic body expectations in society. If we as women and men can change our attitudes and speech when it comes to body image then we can make a difference in the lives of our children and those around us. 

Speak life and positivity, encouraging confidence and self-esteeem. 

I know I will be more careful about what I say and how I say it when it comes to discussing health with you all. How do you think you can make a difference in your sphere of influence?

For more information about Rock Recovery connect with them on Facebook and Twitter.

Filed Under: Health Tagged With: body image, eating disorders, health, Mental Health, Rock Recovery

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Reader Interactions

Comments

  1. Avatar for MeiMei

    March 18, 2015 at 1:41 pm

    This is so sad, and I’m sorry to hear you wet through this as a child. There’s definitely that pressure of wanting to look good by media standards. I feel like parents have a lot of influence and control over the situation with their kids. For the most part, parents have well intentions but they probably don’t realize what’s happening. It’s such a fine balance, not wanting to impose that kind of burden on your kids to be “perfect” but you also don’t want them to swing in either extreme direction.

    Reply
  2. Avatar for Robin (Masshole Mommy)Robin (Masshole Mommy)

    March 18, 2015 at 2:32 pm

    I grew up in a big Italian house and we ate a lot. I wish I had been put on a diet at a young age.

    Reply
  3. Avatar for beccabecca

    March 18, 2015 at 3:43 pm

    I was lucky my dad was really good about watching what and how we ate. I wish I had down the same for my son.

    Reply
  4. Avatar for ChristinaChristina

    March 18, 2015 at 6:02 pm

    A lot of people don’t understand the importance of instilling a healthy body image. Children need to love themselves regardless of their weight.

    Reply
  5. Avatar for VanessaVanessa

    March 18, 2015 at 6:26 pm

    I think for me the hardest time was the preteen and teenager years. Kids are so stress with school, friends and a lot of pressure to look a certain way. Its crazy. Great post.

    Reply
  6. Avatar for maria @ closetohomemaria @ closetohome

    March 18, 2015 at 6:46 pm

    This is truly a problem, I had disorted eating when I was in college no doubt. There was a need to be thin.

    Reply
  7. Avatar for LoraneLorane

    March 18, 2015 at 7:21 pm

    “Speak life and positivity, encouraging confidence and self-esteeem”. Its crazy to know Kids that young are on Diets 🙁 It is important to watch what you say to young Children , especially little girls

    Reply
  8. Avatar for Saidah Washington (@ApronsStilletos)Saidah Washington (@ApronsStilletos)

    March 18, 2015 at 8:46 pm

    I love the notecards. They are so truthful in how we’ve bought into one thing or another about ourselves.

    Reply
  9. Avatar for Liz MaysLiz Mays

    March 18, 2015 at 9:14 pm

    There seems to be a lot of pressure on people to look a certain way. It’s so sad to see that it is causing eating disorders.

    Reply
  10. Avatar for Jess WeaverJess Weaver

    March 18, 2015 at 9:19 pm

    This very true. I had a low self esteem as a teenager. Food disorders are becoming more and more common!

    Reply
  11. Avatar for ChristinaChristina

    March 18, 2015 at 10:49 pm

    A healthy body image is so important and it has to start at a young age!

    Reply
  12. Avatar for Debbie DennyDebbie Denny

    March 18, 2015 at 11:26 pm

    The facts are scary, Sad there is so much of this.

    Reply
  13. Avatar for traveloggedtravelogged

    March 18, 2015 at 11:31 pm

    What a brave, honest and important post!

    Reply
  14. Avatar for RoseyRosey

    March 19, 2015 at 6:17 am

    I knew eating disorders were common enough for everyone to at least know what they are… What a shame though, that the statistics are so high.

    Reply
  15. Avatar for Mama to 5 BLessingsMama to 5 BLessings

    March 19, 2015 at 9:37 am

    Unfortunately we as a human race look at people on the outside inside of their hearts. It is sad how judgmental our society has become.

    Reply
  16. Avatar for MarianaMariana

    March 19, 2015 at 10:18 am

    I’m often afraid that my daughters will inherit my body image insecurities. Thanks for sharing this resource with us!

    Reply
  17. Avatar for MeganMegan

    March 19, 2015 at 7:33 pm

    What a great topic and as the mom of 4 girls, it is something I worry about. Thanks for the tips!

    Reply
  18. Avatar for Janeane DavisJaneane Davis

    March 19, 2015 at 7:38 pm

    What a great topic and as the mom of 4 girls, it is something I worry about. Thanks for the tips!

    Reply
  19. Avatar for Debbie L.Debbie L.

    March 19, 2015 at 9:28 pm

    Body image causes so many issues. This is so hard for so many – we work hard to guide Isa through the difficult teen years.

    Reply
  20. Avatar for CensieCensie

    March 19, 2015 at 10:51 pm

    This is a great program. I have heard about it before. I am glad there is a safe place to discuss this.

    Reply
  21. Avatar for Amanda LoveAmanda Love

    March 19, 2015 at 11:00 pm

    It doesn’t help that models these days are so skinny that they look more like bones. I have always told my kids that they look great no matter what. We have to give words of encouragement to these kids.

    Reply
  22. Avatar for Laura FunkLaura Funk

    March 20, 2015 at 10:41 am

    I love the I have no idea papers in the photo. This is something that as a mom of a daughter I really need to be aware of.

    Reply
  23. Avatar for Lois Alter MarkLois Alter Mark

    March 20, 2015 at 9:44 pm

    So much great information here, and I love the whole IHadNoIdea hashtag. We need to teach girls to have confidence and not be so focused on their outer beauty. The media is a terrible influence on them.

    Reply
  24. Avatar for DebiDebi

    March 22, 2015 at 8:28 pm

    This post really tugs at me. I had a hard time with body image my whole life and I try really hard to instill how beautiful my girls are just the way they are.

    Reply
  25. Avatar for KatKat

    May 6, 2015 at 2:09 am

    Great article! When I was a teenager I didn’t like my body either. I felt that I was too thin. I tried to gain weight but I was unsuccessful. I was called a “skeleton”. I’m glad that I didn’t develop any food disorders.

    Reply

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Avatar for KatAshley Saunders is a movie critic, writer, podcaster, and gamer from the Washington DC area who is always ready to travel.
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