Another huge element to body image appreciation, other than learning to find peace and love with your body, is having the knowledge that you are not going through this alone. Many women of various ages have one thing in common: the fact that they don’t want others knowing or worrying about their insecurities. So what they don’t know is that there are a lot of people out there who are also going through similar situations and feeling like they’re all alone. If it’s hard for them to directly reach out, then maybe we should be the ones to raise awareness for them.
Non-profit organizations like NEDA (Nation Eating Disorders Association) is doing an excellent job raising awareness and supporting those in need. They have many ways in which we can contribute to educate those the dangers and risks of what they might be facing, regarding eating disorders or any kind of such inhibition. Every year, NEDA holds a NEDAwareness Week, where the whole community gets together and volunteer to help out, by doing just one thing. Along with healthcare professionals, social workers, and educators, we can participate by either registering as a Volunteer Speaker, putting up posters and distributing pamphlets, or doing just anything that works with your interests.
Ophelia’s Place is another non-profit organization committed to improve body image and health. Support groups and meetups are more of a personal and direct way to raise awareness. Ophelia’s Place offers excellent services for those seeking help, or for those who just need someone/people to talk to. It might be that they just need a third person sharing the same problem to reach out to, someone they will feel more comfortable to talk to because they don’t have to worry about being judged or misunderstood.
Some other resources, news, and ideas to raising awareness:
- Thomas F. Cash
- Butterfly
- Fashion Shows
- World Naked Bike Race
- Something Fishy
- Colleges/Universities Raising Awareness
We will never know what kind of difference we can make if we don’t try and help. Someone’s helping hand can possibly save a life. Raising awareness will get us started, continuing the awareness will increase positive results. If you are one of those who has always wanted to take part in something meaningful, this could be the perfect way for you to lend that helping hand.