How to Help a Friend:
When you have a friend (girlfriend, boyfriend) suffering from a lot of body image issuse weather it’s thinking about being too skinny or fat, too light or tan skinned etc. it can be hard to help and know the right things to say. It may seem like whatever you are saying to your friend doesn’t seem believable but you know for sure he or she is perfect the way they are.
Make sure when you are talking to your friend about their issue you pay full attention or they may feel worse. It is important you be caring and not too harsh with them. At the same time you have to be honest.
Remind them they are perfect the way they are and at the end of the day someone would rather hang out with you because you are a kind person, not because you look like Barbie or Ken.
Remember to tell your friend real facts; celebrities may look perfect on the media but that’s only because they are photo shopped and spent millions of dollars to look like something their not.
Don’t’ promise them anything but at the same time don’t go around telling everyone about your conversation. If you think this is serious or getting out of hand, tell a trusted adult, not the whole world!
Remember to make positive comments about them so they slowly feel more up lifted. Ifyour friend is not willing to talk, take it easy and keep in mind they are super sensitive about themselves at this time At the end of the day remind them that if you let your personality shine through nothing can stopyou!! At the end of the day we’re all skeletons underneath.
You can always get help from support networks or advise them to your friends.
How to Help a Friend
When you have a friend (girlfriend, boyfriend
Support Networks:
Kid’s helpline:
1800 55 1800
http://www.kidshelp.com.au/grownups/news-research/hot-topics/body-image.php
Raising children network:
http://raisingchildren.net.au/
Youth.gov.au
http://www.johnriviello.com/bodyimage/support.html
The following information includes support groups you can call or read about to get advice. Others list many more groups to help whoever is feeling down about their body image.
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