There's been a topic on my mind for quite some time now. Self Image and Eating Disorders: Anorexia and Bulimia. I'm not sure why this particular topic keeps knocking at my mind's door. I am unaware of any young woman who is currently struggling with a specific eating disorder - though self image seems to be a common struggle for many.
My question: "How do we as mothers and leaders instill in our daughters and young women a knowledge that they are beautiful and that they are in control of their bodies?"
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Whatever the reason, I am opening the discussion. Maybe this is for you, for your daughter, or one of your young women. I don't know. But, there's a reason it has been on my mind - I just felt like it was time to share.
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The following WARNING SIGNS (by Lynn Carol Maynes, Program Specialist for LDS Family Services) were found in the April 2006 Issue of the New Era, "My Battle With Anorexia":
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ADDITIONAL RESOURCES
The Thinness Obsession, Dr Harold A. Frost, Ensign, January 1990
Helping Prevent Eating Disorders, Ensign, January 1994
Eating Disorders: A Deadly State of Mind, Janet Thomas, New Era, February
My Battle with Anorexia, Katie Mae Hess, New Era, New Era, April 2006
The Body, A Sacred Gift, Diane L. Spangler, Liahona, July 2005
Healing Soul and Body, Robert D. Hales, Ensign, November 1998
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SIDE NOTE
The irony here is, as much as it has been on my mind, I am probably the last person to lead the conversation. Even as an adult I find it very difficult to find moments where I feel beautiful - struggling each day to take control of my own health in a positive way. If I can find the words, I may share the story of my own struggles as a young woman in a later post - but, only with the hope of helping someone else.
My Battle with Anorexia, Katie Mae Hess, New Era, New Era, April 2006
The Body, A Sacred Gift, Diane L. Spangler, Liahona, July 2005
Healing Soul and Body, Robert D. Hales, Ensign, November 1998
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SIDE NOTE
The irony here is, as much as it has been on my mind, I am probably the last person to lead the conversation. Even as an adult I find it very difficult to find moments where I feel beautiful - struggling each day to take control of my own health in a positive way. If I can find the words, I may share the story of my own struggles as a young woman in a later post - but, only with the hope of helping someone else.
I can't say exactly what to do, but I can say that I, too, worry.
ReplyDeleteI am also a youth leader. I know that there is such an emphasis on the way we look. I wonder how the young women cope with this.
It is hard for me to teach this concept because I struggle with feeling okay with the way I look. One thing I think, though - is the word of wisdom. When we keep it, we are promised blessings. Keeping the Word of wisdom won't necessarily make us skinny, but it will help us to endure. It will bless us with knowledge. Perhaps this is one of the keys to really understanding our own beauty and also teaching the young women to see theirs.
thanks for the post.