The world, at times, can feel like an overwhelming place and it so critical for those in the public eye to speak out against the daily injustices committed against the most marginalized.

You’d expect politicians, activists, and even celebrities to speak out, but over in Peru, beauty pageant contestants used their time in the spotlight to call attention to violence against women. 

Halloween can be a difficult time of the year for those who are struggling or who have struggled with an eating disorder. The overwhelming presence of candy and attention-grabbing costumes can often make the night feel as though it’s fueled more by tricks than treats. It can be especially difficult since it is so ingrained in our culture and thus, difficult to avoid. 

People often assume that dance training is at odds with the ideals of body positivity. I can understand why – at the professional level, dance has a longstanding reputation of requiring a very narrow ideal body shape and size and dance class can often focus on physical shortcomings. That said, I am a dance teacher, and I believe in the power of body positivity. I believe in its power to inspire young people and to train better, stronger dancers.

On October 9, NEDA surveyed over 333 people about how accurately they felt the media portrayed people’s bodies. Of these people, 68% of respondents chose “Very inaccurately,” 24% chose “Fairly inaccurately,” 7% chose “Fairly accurately,” and 1% chose “Very accurately.” 

Everyone has something good inside. Some hide it, some neglect it, but it is there. -Mother Teresa

I still think "self confidence" is one of the most important life skills. Self confidence means that I know my worth and innate goodness even if I've disappointed myself or others. And even if genetics, culture, personal experiences, and environment test me, I'll focus on being good to my self because it matters.   

I will never forget when, as a young teen, I was told by my mother’s friend, “You have legs just like your dad’s.” Many decades later I can still hear her voice and feel the sting and confusion her comment stirred in me.

Today is Body Confidence Day, a time to honor our unique and amazing bodies and selves! We'll be celebrating on Twitter with a #NEDAchat on body positivity, diverse role models, and self-care techniques. Aerie model Iskra Lawrence, singer/songwriter Matthew Koma, and our other panelists will share personal experiences, helpful tips, and resources for support.

When I was deeply suffering from my eating disorder, I hated my body. I abused it. Worst of all, I separated myself from it. My mind became one entity and my body became another. To my mind, my body seldom did anything right. 

Since entering recovery, I have had to learn how to care for my body, how to nourish it, and how to appreciate it. But most importantly, I have had to accept that I am my body and my body is me. I will never be able to separate from my body, nor should I want to. When I hurt my body, I am hurting myself.

When casual viewers think of horror, images of scantily-clad women and problematic depictions of institutionalized people typically come to mind. And while there is no shortage of “naked-promiscuous-woman-is-slaughtered-while-nice-guy-flees-deranged-killer” horror flicks out there, a growing number of horror films are offering empowering messages and thought-provoking cultural critiques to viewers. 

This week on Keeping Up with the Kardashians, Kim Kardashian opened up about her own body insecurities when she stated, “You take pictures and people just body shame you. It’s like literally giving me body dysmorphia.” 

We got in touch with NEDA clinical advisor Ilene V. Fishman, LCSW, who explained what body dysmorphia is and how to get help.

Content note: includes the mention of physical descriptions and behaviors