Support from Peers Are Critical in Overcoming Eating Disorders

The opposite of peer pressure is support from peers. Just as peer pressure can damage self-esteem, peer support can boost self-esteem, especially when you care deeply about what your peers think of you. Your parents may praise you, but they are your parents. When a friend offers the same compliment, it can be very powerful. Peer support can be as simple as praising a friend for what he or she does instead of for his or her appearance. Peer support also can be as complicated as figuring out a way to help a friend who isn't admitting to what may be an eating disorder.

Supporting a friend with an eating disorder starts with being non-judgmental with an open mind. You need to listen when your friend wants to talk, understand when your friend needs time away from you, and figure out social activities that are enjoyable instead of challenging. It takes time to overcome an eating disorder and patience to be a good friend to someone who is struggling through treatment.

Many organizations encourage positive peer influence-Students Against Drunk Driving (SADD), for example. In an effort to prevent eating disorders, the National Eating Disorders Association has created a national peer support group called GO GIRLS!™ (Giving Our Girls Inspiration and Resources for Lasting Self-Esteem). The group describes itself as "high school girls working together to promote responsible advertising and to advocate for positive body images of youth by the media and major retailers." The girls participate in group discussions that are meant to strengthen their own personal self-esteem and body image. They learn that their viewpoints can change society.

Fact Or Fiction?

Looking thin makes you popular

Fact: It's actually self-confidence that makes you popular. Consider Oprah Winfrey, one of the richest and most influential women in the world. While her weight has gone up and down, her popularity has grown. The way she looks is secondary to the incredible self-confidence she exudes. While your world may be very different than Oprah Winfrey's world, the rules are similar. The people who are most popular are the people who are sure of themselves-those who tend to set trends rather than just follow them, you may counter this by saying that none of the overweight people you know are popular, but chances are good that they are not only overweight but also lacking in self-confidence.