****Active Minds presents: LOVE YOUR BODY WEEK****
“The moment we choose to love, we begin to move against domination, against oppression. The moment we choose to love, we begin to move toward freedom, to act in ways that liberate ourselves and others.”- bell hooks
What is Love Your Body Week?
Love Your Body Week is a week of programming dedicated to promoting awareness about beauty ideals, body images, self-esteem, and other topics that relate to the individual and their relationship with their own body.
How can you participate in Love Your Body Week?
Here are 4 ways you can participate in Love Your Body Week!
1. Check out our online events and resources.
Check out Facebook event for Love Your Body week! We will be posting the links to events we will be hosting this week, articles relating to mental health and body image issues, and information on how to carry on the movement. Like our Facebook page too, to show support for your Wellesley College Active Minds chapter!
2. Watch your language.
So often we hear and say things like, “You look so good! Have you lost weight?” Such language hardly seems hurtful, but rather, complimentary. However, our continual equation of losing weight to looking better reinforces the faulty logic that feeds eating disorders. People are much more than their appearance, and we should reflect that complexity in the way we compliment them.
3. Learn more about issues surrounding body image and mental health.
With mental illness making up approximately one-third of disease among the adolescent population, mental health continues to be an increasingly urgent issue that needs to be addressed in the United States. Similar to holding the responsibility of teaching ourselves about the importance of physical health, it is also our responsibility to teach ourselves about mental health. Check out this website to get a start: http://www.mentalhealth.gov/
4. Reach out.
Do you know a student or peer who may be struggling with a mental health issue? Speak up and reach out to them, if you think that it is safe for you and for them. Let them know that struggling is normal and encourage them to seek help at their college's counseling services (for Wellesley College, that's the Stone Center!), in the community, or by calling 1-800-273-TALK. A show of support and understanding can go a long way for someone struggling in silence.
Questions, comments, suggestions? Email [email protected] for your thoughts!