What can we do?

Although there are many factors that can contribute to the development of eating disorders, I chose to focus on the influence of the media. There are many organizations that are already working to fight the attitudes put forth by the media in order to prevent eating disorders as well as to provide help to those who are already struggling with an eating disorder. Among these organizations are:

• National Eating Disorders Association
• The Anxiety & Stress Management Institute
• American Psychological Association
• Helpguide.org 

Each of these resources have information that can help those who are struggling with an eating disorder, those who know someone who is struggling with an eating disorder, or those who want to learn more about eating disorders in order to fight against them.

The Dove Self-Esteem movement is another program that is promoting and encouraging women to find the beauty in themselves, instead of trying to meet the standard of beauty set forth by the media. They have several resources that can help each of us make a difference to young girls on an individual basis. 

What can be done at a governmental level?

Several actions could be considered at a governmental level to fight against eating disorders (Eating Disorders Coalition, n.d.). Among these are:

• Providing funding for more research on eating disorders that can provide us with a better understanding of how we can better prevent and treat the issue 
• Including treatment for eating disorders in health care plans 
• Educating children of the dangers of eating disorders and also teaching positive self-image in schools

What can be done at a community level? 

• We can help in our communities by taking opportunities we have to promote healthy body-image to the children and teens we are in contact with

What can we do as individuals? 

 There is so much we can do as individuals to combat the influence of the media!

• Learn to accept your own body and let it show. 
• The examples of adult women and the words and attitudes of adult men make a HUGE difference in the way a girl views herself.
• Watch for red flags in girls you associate with-an eating disorder has to start somewhere. Be aware of the warning signs and take action when you do have concerns and are in a position to do so
• Don't promote the media's ideas about beauty. Promote health, not beauty!
• Recognize the importance of taking care of your own family and work from there out. The family situation a child is raised in plays a significant role in the development of eating disorders, especially when the child is abused (Waller, Corstorphine, & Mountford, 2007).

Eating disorders have become a serious problem and we need to do our part to reduce it. We can start on a small scale, and work up and impact more and more lives. Eating disorders are serious. They are real and they are very difficult to overcome. When caught in an eating disorder, it feels as though you are trapped with no way out. This video demonstrates part of what someone with an eating disorder might experience.

Eating disorders are very real and very serious disorders. For many, they become a lifelong struggle that never leaves completely. Let's work to prevent that from happening! Do your part to stop it! You can make a difference.