Students spread messages of self-worth and positivity on Feb. 25 during Operation Beautiful, a Women’s Center event held in honor of National Eating Disorders Awareness Week (NEDAW).
This year, NEDAW took place from Feb. 23 to March 1, and the Women’s Center gave students the chance to make a difference by leaving uplifting notes around campus.
“It’s just a good way for students to feel like they’re actively spreading joy around campus, and you know, one little note can change someone’s day and perspective,” said Chelsie Duckworth, senior program coordinator for UMKC’s Women’s Center.
Some people who wrote messages, like Addison Miller, have personal experiences with eating disorders and said that a simple action “could have a big impact.”
Miller, a sophomore nursing student, wants those struggling with an eating disorder to “recognize that they are beautiful no matter what, and everyone has their own battle.”
On campus, Roo Wellness counseling services are available for students to talk and be evaluated for eating disorders, and counselors can refer them to any necessary providers.
Duckworth said that with “so many negative messages floating around,” students’ perspectives can change by “seeing that they have so many people around them in the community, even if they don’t know them necessarily, that are wishing them good thoughts and are here in a supportive way.”
Writing encouraging reminders can be of benefit not only to others but also to yourself.
“Things are kind of rough in the world right now, and I feel like people need more positivity, and you know sometimes I forget to be positive towards myself,” said Lily Harrison, a junior pre-med and conservatory student.
Abbie Allen, a freshman nursing student, said she has always struggled with body image issues stemming from sports, and that being reminded of one’s worth is valuable.
“I feel like you genuinely don’t know what people are going through and just having a visual to just remind yourself like, ‘you are enough’ or whatnot, it just really makes an impact,” said Allen.
By seeing the amount of messages left, Harrison wants others to believe “that people are still good, life is still good and that not everybody is hateful.”
More resources and information can be found on the National Eating Disorders Association’s website.
