Let’s talk about eating disorders

By Christal Huang, NYAC member

Fact: males and females are affected by body image and eating disorders.

Fact: children, adolescents, and adults are affected by body image and eating disorders.

Fact: individuals from all ethnicities, religions, and social statuses are affected by body image and eating disorders.

The fact is that body image and eating disorders know no bounds. Regardless of sex, age, ethnicity, religion, or social status, eating disorders can affect us negatively.

When our society imposes ideals of body image, it may feel easy to change ourselves, sometimes in negative ways, to fit these ideals. It is important for us to talk about what our society views as “perfect” or what the media considers “beautiful”. So let’s talk about how we can overcome these “ideals” that ultimately create stereotypes.

Body image and eating disorders affect different people in different ways. There are different reasons and factors for how and why someone faces eating disorders. Similarly, someone of a certain sex, race, or age will not respond to body image and eating disorders in a certain way, nor will they cope with it in a specific way. So let’s talk about and recognize that there are different ways to get and give help.

In order to prevent eating disorders, it is important for us to talk about it.

This will help us appreciate that our bodies are all different because they are influenced by various biological, social, and cultural factors. This will help us recognize that eating disorders and body image affect everyone differently. This will help us understand that there are different ways to cope with an eating disorder or support someone who is dealing with an eating disorder.

In talking about eating disorders and mental health, we recognize that it affects everyone differently, regardless of stereotypes based off of sex, age, ethnicity, religion, etc.

In talking about eating disorders and mental health, we support those who are affected in their pursuit for self-love and happiness.

In talking about eating disorders and mental health, we listen to the concerns and fears that are not being addressed.

In talking about eating disorders and mental health, we break down the stereotypes that affect our health and well-being.

Let’s talk about eating disorders and mental health to prevent eating disorders and promote positive self-image and self-confidence.