In Thinspiration: The Body Image Conversation We Should Really Be Having, I shared my frustration about the conversation related body image and eating disorders in the wake of several popular social media sites changing their terms of service to ban self harm posts and images. My hope was to turn the conversation to how to help those dealing with body image issues especially in light of so much judgement being passed on users who posted the now banned content. However, I realized that post stopped short of actually providing help to those who struggle body image.
That’s why this is an open post where you are invited to share resources like websites and organizations that can help those struggling with body image. What is the best advice you can give to someone going through issues with their body image? Have you ever struggled with these issues yourself? How did you get through it? Comment to share.
I wanted to make this post because, simply put, it is not enough to sit behind my keyboard and complain about what everyone should be doing. It’s not enough to sit around and wish for things to change, but to get the conversation going about how we can encourage all people to have a positive body image.
If you do not feel comfortable leaving your name on your comment on this post for any reason, please feel free to use a pseudonym.
You Are Not Alone: Resources on Where to Get Started
This is a very short list of some resources I found online. I hope to add more to this list as readers contribute so please check back as this list will be updated with other resources.
About-Face
A woman can rarely separate her feelings about her physical body from her self-worth, especially in our media-saturated society. And the messages even the youngest girls are seeing and hearing are skewed, sexualized, and sexist.
Adios Barbie
We’re committed to creating a world where everyone is safe, powerful and at home with who they are.
Fierce: The Freedom in Loving Your Body
National Eating Disorder Association
Recovery from an eating disorder is possible. Certainly early intervention is best, but if this opportunity is missed, my equally loud message is that hope for recovery is real at every age
The Old Women’s Project
Ageism disempowers all women. As long as younger women gain false power by distancing themselves from old women, the 35-year-old loses power by not being 25.
Oprah: Dear Every Woman I Know, Including Me
Our Bodies, Ourselves
It may seem impossible to avoid the persistent images and messages that confront us every day . . . But being aware of the way media and advertising distort girls’ and women’s appearance and cultivate a body-obsessed culture can go a long way in helping to fight their influence
Planned Parenthood: Body Image at a Glance
Many of us struggle with body image. Sometimes it is difficult to understand all of the feelings we have about our bodies and ourselves.
Proud2BeMe
Bullying is linked to 65% of eating disorders. Bodysnarking is not okay. It’s something we can all live without.
Wish I had this about two weeks ago! I finished my paper about extreme thinness in the modeling agency. The verdict I reached was models can not be regulated until advertsiting industries such as the food industry regulate their markets. Often, Models are used to reinforce negative behavior (fast food) like the Magnum Ice Cream Commurcials. In addition, foods that are marketed towards a health concsious audience are actually give more negative impacts on the body. Though fashion and beauty are often blammed for negative body images, its actually food that causes negative feelings. When it comes to close you can keep looking till you find something that fits. Food to some people is seen as an enemy because it is directly blammed for weight gain.
Sorry this was so long. I just remembered you asked me where I stood on the issue. I agree body image can be the hardest thing to over come. I’m an athlete and still have problems with this.
Patricia recently talked about Have your heard of Top Hatter?
Hey Patricia! Thanks for stopping back to give your opinion on this issue.
I certainly think there are so many issues that go into weight issues in the modeling industry. Poor body image can easily lead to an eating disorder, which is more complicated than just blaming one factor or another.
Courtney recently talked about Starburst Summer Eye
This is true. That’s why I used the food industry as an example.
Patricia Streeter recently talked about Top Fashion Twitter Followers
I think you are so amazing for posting this!! What an eye opener to realize that we need to help in every aspect possible, rather than looking down on something and ignoring it because we don’t agree with the problem!
Courtney B recently talked about Molokini
Thanks Courtney! I totally agree with you–we should do our best as women to support each other even though we may not always stand the issue another woman is going through!
So glad you did this post Courtney! I agree that we need to talking more about how we can necessarily solve our issues with body image because even the most confident people lapse into the a body-loathing moment every now again but rather how to deal with those feelings when they do surface.
I found this great article on Oprah.com that’s a good read: http://www.oprah.com/spirit/Improving-Body-Image-How-to-Feel-Beautiful-Improving-Self-Esteem
And I just did blog post about how I dealt with my body image now that I’m pregnant: http://getfiercestyle.com/2012/05/09/the-freedom-in-loving-your-body/
MJ recently talked about Beauty Blast: Smashbox Shades of Fame Eye Palette
Thank you so much for those links! I’ve added them both to the list!
I think it’s so important that women speak candidly but with compassion about issues like positive body image. We all struggle with it at one point o another and it doesn’t help anyone to judge someone who is struggling.
Courtney recently talked about Let’s Get Talking About Body Image
I like your approach. I am also a solution oriented person. Better to dwell on how to solve a problem then ruminate over it, although bringing a topic out in the open is always helpful. I just read an article about “fitspo” which is the fitness variation on thinspo showing images that encourage women to over-exercise. The images also erroneously equate fitness with thinness: simply not true! Some fit people are thin, yes. But fit comes in all shapes and sizes.
For Those About To Shop recently talked about Links I Love: Ben Barry, Body Image, Love, Knockoffs, Jet Lag
Well, you know the more I thought about it, the more I felt like I was part of the problem instead of the solution. I don’t think it helps anyone to say, “Things should be different!” and then not offer any solutions, which is why I wanted to do this follow up post.
I think the idea of “fitspo” is a great alternative to “thinspo.” However, with any type of inspiration-esque images, there is always the potential for feeling like you don’t measure up or aren’t worth it, etc, etc. It’s a fine line!
Just to clarify, “fitspo” is just as bad at thinspo. It tells the lie that if you work out you will look like a fitness model. I know former fitness models who are now recovering from eating disorders. That fitness ideal you see in magazines is an unhealthy lie.
For Those About To Shop recently talked about Beyonce’s one-piece and modest swimwear trends 2012
Hey Laura! I misread your comment and totally get what you’re saying now!
This is a really great idea, Courtney! I feel like most women struggle with some sort of beauty issue at one point or another. Here’s a link to the “Seven Ways to Love your Body” post on Scarleteen (more aimed towards a teen audience). http://www.scarleteen.com/article/body/seven_ways_to_love_your_body And here is the Healthy at Every Size community page: http://www.haescommunity.org/
Tashia recently talked about Wicked Stylish
Thanks for sharing those links, Tashia! I’ve added them to the list and will look at them more tonight!
I definitely think body image is something many women struggle with and it’s an important topic to talk about beyond passing judgment.