How to Help

Here's some tips that I learned throughout training to be a peer mentor on how to help a friend with body image issues:

- Learn as much as possible about the disorder you recognize; Read books, articles, brochures, etc.
*(I will also be giving more of my knowledge in posts to come)

- Know the differences between facts and myths about weight, nutrition and exercise so that you can reason against inaccurate ideas that your friend may use as excuses for their disordered patterns.

- Be honest; talk openly and honestly about your concerns with whoever is struggling

- Be caring, but firm; avoid making rules, promises, or expectations with your peer considering that they are the ones who are ultimately responsible for changing.

- Compliment your friend's personality, successes, or accomplishments; Remind them that "true beauty" is not what is on the surface.

- Be an exceptional role model for eating, exercising, and self-acceptance

- Tell someone else; Do not wait for a situation to be severe.  Support is necessary from the beginning stages.


***By simply showing that you are there for someone, it may make all the more of a difference!

Come Learn About Sister-to-Sister's Aims

Get ready for EDAW coming up this February 27th-March 2nd... Anyone and everyone is invited to attend the events that will take place.  The purpose of Eating Disorders Awareness Week is to hold enriching activities that teach you about different aspects of the problem at hand.  At the same time, it gives participants positive self-esteem and basic ways to talk to others with the problem.  It is a time to reflect on one of the most common problems faced today.  Here's the schedule of events:

*Monday, 2/27 --- Info table in Sykes Student Union from 10a-4p displaying booklets, etc. about body image and eating disorders.  You may also buy a t-shirt promoting the event if desired.
- "Miss Representation" film played 7:30-9p in Main Hall 168; uncovers reality of the issue, exposing the media's misrepresentation of women and girls which negatively affects lives.  This will definitely give you a new perspective! Free popcorn available!

*Tuesday, 2/28 --- Free Yoga Class in Sykes Aerobics Studio at 12-1p
- "Mirror, Mirror on the Wall" discussion from 6-7p in Sykes 209 about your true reflection, not society's reflection of you in regard to the body; Shatter these unrealistic images!

*Wednesday, 2/29 --- Lunch and Learn (free pizza!) from 12-1p in Sykes Ballroom C; learn about 3 young women's use of the arts to raise awareness and respect for body image issues and body diversity.
- ANAD (National Association of Anorexia Nervosa and Associated Disorders) Candlelight Vigil from 7-8p in Sykes Common Grounds; Come listen to speakers talk about recovery from eating disorders and music acts.  There will be an open mic for the audience to join in the conversation.

*Thursday, 3/1 --- Scale Bashing from  5:30-6:30p in Sykes Theater; Grab a scale and join the Sister to Sister mentors to break away from the scale obsession!

*Friday, 3/2 --- "Connecting Mind and Body" with Yoga from 3-415p in Sykes Aerobics Studio; Join in on a discussion and another free yoga class focusing on body awareness.


Please try to join in on these events for an uplifting experience!

Welcome!

Welcome to my blog designed to inform and give awareness about a program that I belong to here at West Chester University.  It is called Sister to Sister, which is a peer mentoring group that is composed of women involved in sororities.  This group was designed to give support to our fellow sisters and others by preventing/educating them about eating disorder issues common today.  I created this blog because I feel that this program is not very well known, and feel that it is significant to put its name out there to show that there is always someone there for you.  I gained interest in this topic by seeing my best friend go through the disorder at a young age, so I went through a semester-long training to become an expert and hopefully make an impact on others' lives in one way or another.  From this blog, you can expect to find out information about the program, the problem, etc. and see many aspects of it that will give you a knowledgeable background and new insight about something you may not have ever considered.  Also, looking at ways to be an exceptional friend to turn to in general is beneficial for us all.  I hope that you find this interesting... enjoy!