#BODYEMPOWERMENT
LINKS
Content warning: this page mentions suicide and eating disorders
Struggling with your mental health and body image? You are not alone - you are strong and there are plenty of people who care about you. Below are some links to support services who are here to help you.
These links also provide a combination of helplines and advice for parents and children looking to gain information and support surrounding issues of self-perception and body confidence.
A charity for the prevention of suicide.
Helpline (free, 24/7): 116 123
Email (response in 24 hours): jo@samaritans.org
Write a letter (response in 7 days):
Chris
Freepost RSRB-KKBY-CYJK
PO Box 9090
STIRLING FK8 2S
A charity to support young people with mental health issues
Campaign Against Living Miserably (CALM)
A movement to prevent suicide in men up to the age of 45 in the UK.
(free, 5pm to midnight, 7 days a week)
Nationwide helpline: 0800 58 58 58
London helpline: 0808 802 58 58
(5pm to midnight, 7 days a week)
Body image in children and teens
An article about improving body image in children and teens
Social media accounts
These accounts promote diversity in male bodies
A charity supporting people who suffer from eating disorders.
4pm to 8pm weekends & bank holidays, 365 days a year)
Adult Helpline: 0808 801 0677
Studentline: 0808 801 0811
Youthline: 0808 801 0711
Advice
The male body positivity movement is weak and infantile in its current state, it has a long way to go, it must be strengthened and match that of the Women’s body positivity movement. The steps required to improve this movement are varied and do not only rely on the media’s representation of the male body image but also historical and societal gendered expectations of the male form and mannerisms.
So how can we change this?
People
Change the accepted societal concepts of masculinity - these often prevent men from freely addressing the discomfort they may experience with their bodies.
Men should be encouraged to speak up about it and when necessary consult a psychologist or mental health expert
Consumers
You vote with your wallet, so become more brand conscious when clothes shopping.
Brands which are changing their advertisements and media campaigns to encourage both male and female body positivity should be rewarded - brands that are not should be called out by consumers
Healthcare
Increase research in order to accommodate for and adequately treat all genders for mental illnesses such as eating disorders and depression, not just women.
This will make it easier for men to get treated