Wellbeing Update

Our Year 11 First Nations student Jayden Fulwood has recently been involved in the Griffith University Indigenous Engagement School to Uni program, which supports Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander students aiming for University education by assisting with successful applications and transitions after Year 12.

Jayden placed an application towards a new laptop and expressed how this laptop would benefit his studies during high school and also help with future University aspirations. Jayden was presented with a brand new laptop last week by Wes Conlon- Indigenous Engagement Officer at Griffith University. Congratulations Jayden!

Wes will be onsite once a month to meet with our Senior Students to build connections and provide them with information about university options, regardless of which tertiary institute they would like to attend.

What is Body Image?

Body image is not about how you look. It is about how you feel about how you look. Our body image is formed by the thoughts, feelings, attitudes, and beliefs we have about our bodies and how we look. This includes our shape, size, weight, gender identity, and the way our body functions.

We may feel many different things about our body and appearance: sometimes satisfied/positive, sometimes dissatisfied/negative, sometimes a bit of both, and/or neutral. Either way, our body image can influence how we engage with the world.

Why do we need to be body positive?

Whatever your size, shape, weight or appearance, every person can enjoy and deserves a positive body image.

Having a positive body image can improve:

Self-esteem: how a person feels about themselves

Self-acceptance: when a person feels comfortable with their appearance, they are less likely to be impacted by societal and media pressures to look a certain way.

Healthy body image is about feeling comfortable in your own skin. Feeling happy most of the time with the way you look and feeling good about yourself. Along with valuing yourself by who you are, not by what you look like.

Did you know?

That men account for over one third of people who have an eating disorder in Australia. And that LGBTIQA+ people are at a greater risk for disordered eating behaviours.

What is Unhealthy Body Image?

Unhealthy or negative body image is believing your body isn’t good enough

Thinking that you look too fat.
Feeling like you’re not pretty enough or muscular enough.
Believing that your looks determine your value as a person.
Fixating on trying to change your body shape.

Does having an unhealthy body image mean you will get an eating disorder?

No. An eating disorder is a mental illness. The factors that contribute to the onset of an eating disorder are complex. No single cause of eating disorders has been identified, however known contributing risk factors include genetics, psychological factors, and socio-cultural influences.

Can we change unhealthy body image? ABSOLUTELY!

6 ways to be body positive:

Focus on what your body can do. Think of the millions of unique things your body helps you do every day. This is a great reminder that you're so much more than the way you look.
Question what you see in the media. Next time you seen an 'ideal' body, think: What goes into looking that way? How many people do you see in everyday life that look like that? Is it realistic or helpful to compare yourself to that standard?
Unfollow people who make you feel negative about yourself. For a positive newsfeed, try following people you admire who have all different interests - and body shapes.
Say thank you. Next time someone gives you a compliment, try saying thank you rather than shrugging it off. Showing gratitude can go a long way to improving how we feel about ourselves.
Focus on other people’s good qualities. Looking for the good in other people creates positive vibes and can even help you focus on your own strengths.
Hang with positive people. Surround yourself with people who get you and encourage you to feel confident.

A Safe Place to Chat Anonymously, Get Support & Feel Better | ReachOut Australia

School- based Youth Health Nurse

Stella

At school on Monday and Tuesday

Any questions, please contact me via email nurse.thegap@health.qld.gov.au