How Do You Weigh Your Self Worth?
by Sophia Hayes, Psy.D., UCS/CBH
How do you feel about your body? Do you feel beautiful inside and out, or do you feel dissatisfied with the way you look? Have you found yourself making negative comments about your body such as "I hate my thighs," or "I hate trying on jeans, nothing looks right on me," or "I can't stand the way I look," or "No one will ever date me until I'm thinner" or "I would be so much happier if I could just lose weight?"
In a weight-obsessed society, we have become hypercritical of our bodies. Unfortunately this may generalize to an overall unhealthy negative self concept. Remember, a number on a scale is not an accurate measure of who you are. Here are some pointers from the National Eating Disorders Association on ways to improve body image:
- Remember that your body is the vehicle to your dreams -- treat it well.
- Do something nice for yourself as a sign of appreciation for all the things that your body allows you to do.
- Surround yourself with people that help you feel good about who you are as a person.
- Wear clothes that are comfortable and make you feel good about your body.
- List your positive attributes and abilities without focusing on your appearance.
- Make a choice to look for the beauty in your world and in yourself.
If you are concerned that you or someone you care about may have eating, weight or body image concerns, several resources are available for you. Anonymous screenings for eating disorders is available through University Counseling Services and the Center for Collegiate Behavioral Health. The purpose of this screening is to educate you about eating disorders and inform students if their problems warrant further evaluation.
Counselors at University Counseling Services are also available to meet with students who have eating, weight, or body image concerns. Call 216.368.5872 to make an appointment with one of our professional counselors. You can also visit the Flora Stone Mather Center for Women for a confidential consultation with the Women's Health Advocate, Katie Hanna, or e-mail her at katie.hanna@case.edu. You also can make appointments at University Health Services by calling 216.368.2450.