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Breaking Free: Only I Can Define Me
Join JADE (Joint Advocates on Disordered Eating) and your fellow students as we celebrate Eating Disorders Awareness Week, from February 25-28th, 2008 to "Break Free" from the pressures of thinness, dieting, and unrealistic body ideals.
JADE, a peer education program through University Counseling Services, will present the following events to help us "Break Free":
Mirror, Mirror: Body Image and Media
Monday, February 25, 2008 11:00-11:50 am, Thousand Oaks Room, USU
A fascinating look at media's view of the beauty norm and body image
Jean Kilbourne
"Slim Hopes/Still Killing Us Softly: Advertising, Gender & Obsession".
Tuesday, February 26, 2008- 2:00-3:00 PM- USU Northridge Center
Seating is limited. Free tickets available at the AS ticket office.
An entertaining, fast paced presentation exploring our national obsession with thinness and the advertising images that affect us all.
"Every Body is Beautiful"
Thursday, February 28, 2008
10am-2pm - Matador Walkway
An outdoor JADE event featuring important information, a "RED CARPET" event, a "Barbieland" display and fun activities, food and giveaways.
"It's What's Inside that Counts!" Although we often want to believe this message, society tells us that appearance matters. The media bombards us with extreme, often unattainable images of how we should look. Anyone who watches television, glances at magazine covers or views the many ads for diets, fitness or cosmetic surgery, gets the message: "It's what's outside that counts".
It is striking that these media images are absorbed by us all- and accepted as fact while they fuel our aspirations for a "better body." Unfortunately, this can lead to a negative perception of ourselves and "negative body image", which refers to dissatisfaction with one's physical appearance.
What is body image?
Negative Body Image is:
- A distorted perception of your shape (your perceive parts of your body unlike they really are).
- You are convinced that only other people are attractive and that your body size or shape is a sign of personal failure.
- You feel ashamed, self-conscious, and anxious about your body.
-You feel uncomfortable and awkward in your body
Positive Body Image is:
+ A clear, true perception of your shape- you see the various part of your body as they really are.
+ You celebrate and appreciate your natural body shape and you understand that a person's physical appearance says very little about their character and value as a person.
+ You feel proud and accepting of your unique body and refuse to spend an unreasonable amount of time worrying about food, weight, and calories.
+ You feel comfortable and confident in your body.
Why should I be concerned about Body Image?
Unfortunately, many college students are affected by a negative body image and face the risk of developing eating disorders. Sixty percent of CSUN students surveyed indicated that they know someone who has (or had) an eating disorder. Twenty-eight percent of respondents have (or have had) an eating disorder themselves; 10% of which were male.
According to the Center for Change, 86% of all women are dissatisfied with their bodies and want to lose weight. It is important to combat negative body images because it can lead to depression, shyness, social anxiety, and self-consciousness, and lack of confidence, as well as putting one at risk for the development of eating disorders.
What steps can I take to develop a positive body image?
We may all have days when we feel awkward or uncomfortable in our bodies or dissatisfied with our appearance. The key to developing a positive body image is to recognize and respect our natural shape and become more aware of the media, cultural, and social messages that influence us.
The Renfrew Center Foundation offers the following suggestions:
- Base compliments on attributes other than size, weight, and shape.
- Minimize diet and weight talk
- Don't equate thinness with happiness.
For more tips, visit the Renfrew Center Foundation at http://www.renfrew.org/.
Where can I go for help?
Eating disorders, body image, eating and exercise problems and dieting are sometimes sensitive subjects to discuss. The University Counseling Services, offers free and confidential counseling, where you can talk to caring counselors about your concerns. UCS also holds an Eating Disorders Group which offers a safe and supportive place to discuss how we feel about our bodies and our relationship with food and exercise. The times of the group are to be arranged.
To make an appointment or sign up for the group, contact the University Counseling Services at818-677-2366 or stop by our office, located in Bayramian Hall, Room 520.
The Klotz Student Health Center also offers resources, including free nutritional counseling sessions. 818-677-3666
JADE (Joint Advocates on Disordered Eating) webpage offers suggestions, resources, events, and a free and confidential eating disorders screening Visit us at http://www.csun.edu/counseling/peer/jade.htm
For the list of JADE events and dates, visit our webpage at www.csun.edu/counseling/peer/jade.htm
