Body Acceptance & Body Image 
If you are concerned about a friend's eating behaviors, or your own, call the Counseling Center to speak to a caring therapist about your concerns.
NEW! Online Screening for Eating Disorders
Students struggling with mental health issues can also feel isolated. Problems are frequently kept secret out of embarrasment or shame. This is especially common for students with eating concerns. Many times, students with eating disorders come to the Counseling Center reporting they "feel like the only one". While national statistics show that bulimia and anorexia are on the decline on college campuses around the country, eating concerns still constitute a major health and wellness issue for students. In fact, the psychologists and counselors at the Counseling Center consistently report that almost 10% of the students seen for services have some type of eating disorder.
Spring semester may be a particularly difficult time as it brings plenty of papers due, tests to be taken, and projects to complete, but also warmer weather, longer days, short sleeves… While students often describe this time of year as busy and frenetic with school-work and transitions, many also experience a rise in food and body concerns. This might be a good time to ask yourself some questions, such as:
• How do you feel about your body?
• How can you learn to nurture your body, mind and spirit?
Read on to find out more about body image and body pride. You can also check out our website links to several organizations that are focused on increasing body pride and acceptance.
Body Image
Body image is . . .
* How you see yourself when you look in the mirror or when you picture yourself in your mind.
* What you believe about your own appearance (including your memories, assumptions, and generalizations).
* How you feel about your body, including your height, shape, and weight.
* How you sense and control your body as you move. How you feel in your body, not just about your body.
Negative body image is . . .
* A distorted perception of your shape--you 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.
People with negative body image have a greater likelihood of developing an eating disorder and are more likely to suffer from feelings of depression, isolation, low self-esteem, and obsessions with weight loss.
Positive body image is . . .
* A clear, true perception of your shape--you see the various parts 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.
We all may have our days when we feel awkward or uncomfortable in our bodies, but the key to developing positive body image is to recognize and respect our natural shape and learn to overpower those negative thoughts and feelings with positive, affirming, and accepting ones.