“For thou hast made him a little lower than the angels, and
hast crowned him with glory and honor.”
Psalm 8:5; Hebrews 2:7
As you
struggle with food, weight or body image issues, you probably have not thought
of yourself as reaching almost angel status. You may feel there’s absolutely
nothing redeeming, glorious or angelic about you.
But God sees
you differently. You are incredibly made- and it has nothing to do with how you
may manipulate your body. It’s not about biceps, abs, bench pressing five
hundred pounds or shedding pounds. It’s about your own inherent value, created
by God, ON PURPOSE!!!
“I will praise You, for I am fearfully and wonderfully made…”
Psalm 139:14
“All things were made by
him; and without him was not anything made that was made.”
John 1:3
This is who
you are. As we’ve come to a close of the National Eating Disorder Awareness
Week, I hope you are beginning to see yourself in a better light. If you’re
struggling in any way, it’s not because you’re useless and worthless. We ALL
fall short of God’s Glory (Romans 3:23). Therefore, ALL of us
need a gracious and helpful God.
“My grace is sufficient for you, for My strength is made
perfect in weakness.”
2 Corinthians 12:9
Wherever you
find yourself, I hope you see God working in you, even in spite of you.
If you see
yourself struggling with eating disorders, please know you’re valuable enough
to get help.
Knowledge IS power. Allow God to empower YOU!
Copyright © 2014 by
Sheryle Cruse
Strategies
for Prevention and Early Intervention of Male Eating Disorders
Recognize
that eating disorders do not discriminate on the basis of gender. Men can and
do develop eating disorders.
Learn about eating disorders and know the warning signs. Become
aware of your community resources (treatment centers, self-help groups, etc.).
Consider implementing an Eating Concerns Support Group in a school, hospital,
or community setting to provide interested young men with an opportunity to
learn more about eating disorders and to receive support. Encourage young men
to seek professional help if necessary.
Understand that athletic activities or professions that necessitate
weight restriction (e.g., gymnastics, track, swimming, wrestling, rowing) put
males at risk for developing eating disorders. Male wrestlers, for example,
present with a higher rate of eating disorders than the general male
population. Coaches need to be aware of and disallow any excessive weight
control or body building measures employed by their young male athletes.
Talk with young men
about the ways in which cultural attitudes regarding ideal male body shape,
masculinity, and sexuality are shaped by the media. Assist young men in
expanding their idea of “masculinity” to include such characteristics as
caring, nurturing, and cooperation. Encourage male involvement in traditional
“non-masculine” activities such as shopping, laundry, and cooking.
Demonstrate respect for gay men, and men who
display personality traits or who are involved in professions that stretch the
limits of traditional masculinity; e.g., men who dress colorfully, dancers,
skaters, etc.
Never
emphasize body size or shape as an indication of a young man’s worth
or identity as a man. Value the person on the “inside” and help him to
establish a sense of control in his life through self-knowledge and expression
rather than trying to obtain control through dieting or other eating disordered
behaviors.
Confront others who tease men who do not
meet traditional cultural expectations for masculinity. Confront anyone who
tries to motivate or “toughen up” young men by verbally attacking their
masculinity; e.g., calling names such as “sissy” or “wimp.”
Listen carefully to a young man’s
thoughts and feelings, take his pain seriously, allow him to become who he is.
Validate a young man’s strivings for
independence and encourage him to develop all aspects of his personality, not
only those that family and/or culture find acceptable. Respect a person’s need
for space, privacy, and boundaries. Be careful about being overprotective.
Allow him to exercise control and make his own decisions whenever possible,
including control over what and how much he eats, how he looks, and how much he
weighs.
Understand the crucial role
of the father and other male influences in the prevention of eating
disorders. Find ways to connect young men with healthy male role models.
Call our toll-free, confidential Helpline,
Monday-Thursday from 9:00 am - 9:00 pm and Friday from 9:00 am - 5:00 pm (EST):
1-800-931-2237
