University promotes positive body image

This week USM is participating in National Eating Disorders Awareness Week.

Kathryn Brown, a doctoral student in counseling psychology, spoke Wednesday about eating disorders and related concerns.

Eating disorders have the highest mortality rate of any psychological disorder, not only because of health related issues, but also because of a higher rate of suicide.

"Would you go to the library and read all the time, trying to be as smart as Albert Einstein?" Brown asked. "Or would you walk around wearing stilts, trying to be as tall as Shaquille O'Neal? Then why would you try to be as skinny as a model?"

Brown began by discussing different ways the media warps the perception of body image. From supermodels to Barbie and G.I. Joe, Brown said culture dictates how people should want their bodies to look. She also advises people to be critical of the images seen on television and to not feel badly if they are different from the "ideal."

Brown also discussed the different types of eating disorders, including anorexia, bulimia and binge eating disorders. It is important to remember that these disorders are psychological and can stem from more than just issues with food. They can also be attributed to family or social problems the person is facing.

"You can't just tell someone to stop it," Brown said. "It's a bigger problem than that."

Layne Spivey, a nursing student, attended the event to learn more about the disorders in order to better help her patients. "It was interesting that she talked about men having eating disorders," said Spivey. "You don't usually hear about the men."

Brown gave advice on dealing with eating disorders. When a person has a disorder, he or she should first tell someone that is trustworthy and then try to get professional help, Brown said.

If a person is dealing with someone else, support should be offered. Brown advised trying to communicate with them without being judgmental. People with eating disorders may become defensive or try to manipulate the situation, so Brown advised using a firm approach.

National Eating Disorders Awareness Week is observed by many colleges and health clinics across the country. According to information found in the university's online mail-out, this year's theme is "Accept Your Genes: Be comfortable in your genes, wear jeans that fit the TRUE you." There will be collection boxes set up in the Payne Center, Student Counseling Services and Cook Library where "skinny jeans" can be donated to charity.