4 Ways Providers Can Create a Safe Space for Patients
The value of relationships cannot be understated. The relationship the patient has with their bodies and their health care providers are two of the most crucial. So many have felt isolated and ashamed and being able to step into a truly “judgment-free zone” with a provider can be life changing. When a patient leaves the […]
Poll: 68% of Twitter Respondents Believe Media Portrays Bodies “Very Inaccurately”
On October 9, NEDA surveyed over 333 people about how accurately they felt the media portrayed people’s bodies. Of these people, 68% of respondents chose “Very inaccurately,” 24% chose “Fairly inaccurately,” 7% chose “Fairly accurately,” and 1% chose “Very accurately.” These unrealistic representations can be implemented in a variety of ways. First, media outlets can […]
Confident Selves for Confident Kids
Everyone has something good inside. Some hide it, some neglect it, but it is there. -Mother Teresa I still think “self confidence” is one of the most important life skills. Self confidence means that I know my worth and innate goodness even if I’ve disappointed myself or others. And even if genetics, culture, personal experiences, […]
A Parent’s Advice on Helping Kids Love Their Bodies
I will never forget when, as a young teen, I was told by my mother’s friend, “You have legs just like your dad’s.” Many decades later I can still hear her voice and feel the sting and confusion her comment stirred in me. I had never thought about the appearance of my dad’s legs before. […]
Happy Body Confidence Day! How Do You Honor Your Unique and Amazing Selves?
Today is Body Confidence Day, a time to honor our unique and amazing bodies and selves! We’ll be celebrating on Twitter with a #NEDAchat on body positivity, diverse role models, and self-care techniques. Aerie model Iskra Lawrence, singer/songwriter Matthew Koma, and our other panelists will share personal experiences, helpful tips, and resources for support. Tune […]
Instilling and Supporting Body Confidence in Men
When I was deeply suffering from my eating disorder, I hated my body. I abused it. Worst of all, I separated myself from it. My mind became one entity and my body became another. To my mind, my body seldom did anything right. Since entering recovery, I have had to learn how to care for […]
Can Horror Be the Body-Positive, Feminist, Mental Health-Savvy Genre We’ve Been Waiting For?
When casual viewers think of horror, images of scantily-clad women and problematic depictions of institutionalized people typically come to mind. And while there is no shortage of “naked-promiscuous-woman-is-slaughtered-while-nice-guy-flees-deranged-killer” horror flicks out there, a growing number of horror films are offering empowering messages and thought-provoking cultural critiques to viewers. This past Friday, I caught Happy Death […]
Advocacy Day Empowered Me to Share My Story Without Shame
Twice a year, advocates come together in Washington, D.C. to influence federal policy, push for change, and educate representatives of Congress about those affected by eating disorders. NEDA has served as a collaborative partner with the Eating Disorders Coalition (EDC) on these efforts throughout 2017. On October 5th, I along with many other advocates shared […]
What the Trump Administration’s Executive Order on Health Insurance Could Mean for Your Care
The Internet is abuzz with news on a new executive order (EO) on health insurance titled “Promoting Healthcare Choice and Competition Across the United States.” In short, the EO encourages agencies to take actions that would essentially divide Americans into “healthy” and “sick” groups. “Healthy” groups would be able to secure lower premiums for alternative, […]
On Rejecting Colonization and Reclaiming My Brown Identity
We are nearing the end of Hispanic Heritage Month (also known as Latino Heritage Month), and although this month purports to celebrate and honor brown culture, it is a time that evokes feelings of dissociation for me. Yes, I am of Mexican-indigenous descent, and I genuinely appreciate recognition and celebration of people of the brown […]
