MYP FINAL PRODUCT - SUNIVA MAGAZINE

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"What would you tell your teenage self?"

We went and asked strangers: "What would you tell your teenage self?". Here are some of their answers.

"I would like to tell my teenage self that life gets better."

"To take every day one step at a time. You are who you are and you can't really do anything to change it."

"Just don't care, realize it really doesn't matter."

"Be yourself, just do it!"



Written by Naomi Duggan

The Untold Truth of Body Dysmorphia.

IMAGINE walking across the school hallway while thinking that people are constantly teasing and making fun of you.

IMAGINE not being able to focus in class because all you can think of is 'your nonexistent physical flaws'.

IMAGINE avoiding mirrors because you didn't want to encounter someone with such repulsive and unsightly looks.

IMAGINE thinking that no one will ever like you, only because of your appearance.

IMAGINE living your day-to-day life obsessing about something that isn't even there.

The body dysmorphic disorder (BDD) is a mental illness in which someone is addicted to the nonexistent defects in their appearance. 

Cause

The cause of body dysmorphia is unknown, however according to researchers, many factors increase the likelihood of getting BDD. Some of these factors include: depression, bullying, fear of being alone and a competitive character. 

Some of the Signs and Symptoms of BDD (according to Anxiety & Depression Association of America) include:

- Disguised appearance (with body positions, makeup, clothing, etc.)

- Avoiding mirrors

- Checking in mirrors

- Skin picking

- Excessive exercise and grooming

- Seeking surgery

- Constantly changing clothes

- Comparing appearances to others

Some of the common areas of BDD:

Stats

The body dysmorphic disorder begins most usually during adolescents. According to Anxiety & Depression Association of America, “Research shows that it affects men and women almost equally. About one percent of the U.S. population has BDD.”, meaning that at least 3 millions people in the US suffer from body dysmorphia. 

Effects on Life:

- Have a hard time taking control in their life and taking responsibility 

- Poor quality of life

- Low self esteem

- Obsession with their appearance

- Hard time keeping relationships

- High levels of stress

Famous People with BDD:

- Andy Warhol

- Micheal Jackson

- Shirley Manson

In closing

In the final analysis, according to Webmd, the body dysmorphic disorder "is a distinct mental disorder in which a person is preoccupied with an imagined physical defect or a minor defect that others often cannot see." BDD is often mistaken for OCD or anxiety disorders, seeing that they both share similar characteristics. Currently, there is a low quantity of research done worldwide on BDD, go and increase the research by funding to the Body Dysmorphic Disorder Foundation.

Written by Naomi Duggan

SCREEN TEENS

“Rule 1 of the Thin Commandments: If you aren't thin, you aren't attractive.” On pro-ana websites, a life-threatening eating disorder is seen as a lifestyle.

"Drink up to a shot of apple cider vinegar before eating. Ice or gum are good food substitutes. Wear a rubber band around your wrist and snap it when you want to eat. Food = pain.” These are some of the tips that young girls share to motivate each other to achieve an unhealthy body weight. These types of communities can further degrade these women's distorted eating habits and are encouraging our society to promote these serious illnesses.

Over the past few decades, adolescents spend much more time on the internet are influenced by its content.

CONS OF THE INTERNET

Since the 1930's, the amount of women age 15-19 with anorexia has increased, and it is unquestionably caused by the arrival of the internet.

Social media

On social media, users share a 'perfect version' of their day-to-day life. Many will compare themselves and second-guess their appearance. With the majority of Canadians using social media on a daily basis, social media largely impact one's self worth. In fact, a survey by Florida State University "found that a group of women who were asked to browse Facebook for 20 minutes experienced greater body dissatisfaction than those who spent 20 minutes online, researching rain forest cats". 

Pro-ana & Pro-mia

Pro-ana and Pro-mia (stands for pro-anorexia and pro-bulimia) websites are a community that view eating disorders as a lifestyle rather that a very serious disorder. They teach each others tips to obtain an extremely low body weight and encourages the young girls to continue down the road of self-destruction. In fact, 96% of teens diagnosed with an eating disorder who visited these sites learned new dieting and purging techniques. 

PROS OF THE INTERNET

On the brighter side, many social media websites block images and post that promote eating disorders. Per example, Pinterest bans content that encourages eating disorders.

Also, many people who struggle or struggled with an eating disorder use social media to document their recovery. Likewise, some users create accounts on social media to encourage people to love their bodies.

Go follow them on Instagram!

In closing

In the final analysis, the internet has plenty of negative content such as pro-ana websites but it's also an incredible resource to encourage people to recover from their illnesses. It is important to be able to distinguish the 'good' content from the 'bad' content found on the internet. We should teach young girls and boys to love themselves no matter what they look like. Sometime in the future, perhaps no one will be concerned about their appearance and we will all love ourselves for who we are and not what we look like.

Written by Naomi Duggan

Starving for Perfection - Eating Disorders

Every single hour at least one person dies as direct result from an eating disorder. Eating disorders are the most deadly psychiatric disorder. According to the Government of Canada, eating disorders are characterized by body dissatisfaction, thin-ideal internalization, dieting and family social support deficit. This disorder usually develops in teenage years and young adulthood. Perfectionist attitude toward school or work, low self-esteem, and distorted body image are some of the common attribute to someone with an eating disorder.

Anorexia Nervosa

Anorexia nervosa – also called anorexia- is an medical condition, in which the patient starves themselves in the desire of losing weight. Around 1% of teenage girls suffer from anorexia.

Some of signs and symptoms of anorexia (according to Mayoclinic) are:

Physical

• Extreme weight loss
• Thin appearance
• Insomnia
• Fatigue
• Dizziness/Fainting
• Bluish extremities
• Hair that falls out
• Absence of menstruation
• Osteoporosis
• Dry and yellow tinted skin
• Intolerance of cold

Behavior (psychological)

• Dieting and fasting and/or excessive exercise
• Preoccupation with food
• Denial to hunger
• Refusal to eat
• Extreme fear to gain weight
• Social withdrawal
• Lack of emotions

Long term complications

- Anemia (red blood cell deficiency)
- Heart problems
- Bone loss, which increases the risks of fractures

Binge Eating Disorder

Binge eating disorder (BED) is a disorder in which someone eats uncontrollably for a short period of time on recurring basis.The binge eating disorder affects 1.6% of American teenagers (1). According to Womenshealth.gov, as many as 4 million Americans have the binge eating disorder. Binge eating disorder affects women slightly more often than men. The majority of people suffering from BED also suffer from obesity.

Some of signs and symptoms (according to Mayoclinic) are:

• Eating unusually large amounts of food in a specific amount of time, such as over a 2-hour period
• Feeling that your eating behavior is out of control
• Eating even when you're full or not hungry
• Eating rapidly during binge episodes
• Eating until you're uncomfortably full
• Frequently eating alone or in secret
• Feeling depressed, disgusted, ashamed, guilty or upset about your eating
• Frequently dieting, possibly without weight loss

Long term complications (according to the National Eating Disorders Collaboration)

• Osteoarthritis
• Chronic kidney problems or kidney failure
• High blood pressure and/or high cholesterol

Bulimia Nervosa

Bulimia nervosa (bulimia) is similar to the binge eating disorder, however someone with bulimia will purge (by vomiting or by using laxatives) after the binge in order to prevent weight gain. According to the NEDA, Bulimia nervosa affects 1-2% of adolescent and young adult women.

Some of signs and symptoms (according to the Mayoclinic) are:

• Being preoccupied with your body shape and weight
• Living in fear of gaining weight
• Feeling that you can't control your eating behavior
• Eating until the point of discomfort or pain
• Eating much more food in a binge episode than in a normal meal or snack
• Forcing yourself to vomit or exercise too much to keep from gaining weight after bingeing
• Misusing laxatives, diuretics or enemas after eating
• Restricting calories or avoiding certain foods between binges
• Using dietary supplements or herbal products excessively for weight loss

Long term complications

• Electrolyte imbalances
• Inflammation and possible rupture of the esophagus from frequent vomiting
• Tooth decay
• Chronic irregular bowel movements and constipation as a result of laxative abuse

In closing

In the final analysis, eating disorders are a serious illness that can cause severe complications and even death.  This type of  disorder can also ruin your relationship with your loved ones. The world must try to prevent and raise awareness to this serious illness. 

World eating disorder day is on June 2, 2017. Use the hashtag #WorldEatingDisordersDay and take a stand against eating disorders.

Written by Naomi Duggan

(1) Eating Disorders Coalition. (2016). Facts About Eating Disorders: What The Research Shows.http://eatingdisorderscoalition.org.s208556.gridserver.com/couch/uploads/file/fact-sheet_2016.pdf

A guide to happiness and self-love

• A healthy body is a healthy mind!

Your body is extremely precious and quite possibly the only one you'll ever have. You shouldn't treat it carelessly, but with tender love and care.

EATING

Eat a well balanced diet! Consume plenty of whole foods that contain nutrient that are vital to your health and that keep you energized. If you eat something and don't feel so good afterwards, it should be a sign that it might not be good for your body. Get your vitamins, your minerals and most importantly don't deprive yourself! Don't forget to indulge every now and then!

FOODS THAT MAKE YOU HAPPY!

- Foods high in probiotics such as kimchi, kefir, yogurt and sauerkraut

- Mushrooms

- Dark leafy vegetables like kale

HYDRATION

It is recommended for teens to drink around 6-7 cups of water per day. Did you know that dehydration can cause fatigue, headaches, poor concentration and affect your sport performance?

SLEEP

The recommended amount of sleep per day is 7-9 hours. Not enough sleep per night can lead to more negative thoughts throughout the day.

EXERCISE

Everyone should get at least one hour of exercise per day. It not only increases your life expectancy but it also releases endorphin's, 'the happy hormone'.

DE-STRESS

Adolescence can be stressful for some. According to an annual survey published by the American Psychological Association, teens are more stressed out than adults. Some of the effects of stress on our bodies are headaches, muscle tension, fatigue and sleep problems. To relieve stress listen to some music, take a hot bath or do some yoga.

• Dress to impress... yourself!

Wear clothing that make you feel like a million bucks! Don't dress to please anyone else but yourself!

• Surround yourself with positive people

Spend more time with friends and family who love and support you! Make sure you enjoy spending time with those people!

• Help other people!

Go do some volunteering or donate clothes to people in need! Did know that helping others triggers the part of the brain responsible for the feeling of 'reward'. It also lowers stress levels and makes us feel good about ourselves.

• Find something you absolutely love doing!

Find something you're passionate about! Avoid spending time focusing on your appearance and spend time doing things that you love and make you happy!

• Admire other peoples beauty without questioning your own

Don't compare your body to others. Everybody is different and everybody is beautiful in their own way!

• Inform yourself!

Read books and watch videos about body image.

Websites:

mediasmarts.ca/

http://selfesteem.dove.ca/

Youtube videos:

- The perfect body – blogilates

- Plus-size? More Like My Size – Ashley Grahams – TED Talk

- How To Fall in Love with Yourself? - Andrea Russett

- YOU LOOK DISGUSTING - my pale skin

Book:

- 13 ways of looking at a fat girl by Mona Awad

• Make a list of what you love about yourself

Here's mine:

Now it's your turn:

Written by Naomi Duggan

Voices of Teens

"I believe that to become more confident/have a positive body image is to stop comparing yourself to others. No one is perfect, which is something they should keep in mind. Everyone is perfect the way they are and they should flaunt what they have." -AL

"We should definitely encourage models that have different figures, with different backgrounds. The reason for this is because, as kids, we all grow up with the typical supermodel. We idolized these people since society literally only showcased them However, if we were to grow up having different role models with different bodies that sort of resembled ours, we wouldn't have to learn to love ourselves since the people we admire look like us. I personally think that it's a way that we could unconsciously learn early on, how to love our body." -AA

"We should have different shaped Barbie's, body confidence festivities, no separation between plus size and regular size and increase the use of a diversity in models." -EBB

"It is important to surround yourself with positivity to have a good body image. Filter out any negativity, whether it's in your relationships or online. Unfollow those haters, ditch the bullies and treat yourself when you feel the need to!" -AO