Actor Jonah Hill @jonahhill was in the news recently for something he probably didn’t want to be in the news about. He gave voice publicly to his desire, his boundary, about not commenting on his appearance (body transformation and weight loss.) Good for him! This is a very needed topic to be learned more about and to adjust our own behaviors around.
Why at times, more times than not, do we begin conversations by a comment about a person looking so good? Why does a journalist ask, usually women, about their appearance, which fashion designer they are wearing clothes from, what diet they have been on or ask why they lost weight such as Adele @Adele instead of asking about their career accomplishment? While many times men are asked about their career, never what they are wearing.
Actor Jonah Hill, a well known male actor, asked the public not to comment on his appearance, "I know you mean well, but I kindly ask that you not comment on my body, good or bad. I want to politely let you know it's not helpful and doesn't feel good".
The best compliments that aren’t regarding appearance are a helpful start to refresh and adjust our own behaviors around. Here are some suggestions from Real Depression Project @realdepressionproject I love being around you, you have a great energy, I really admire your strength. I know things haven't been easy lately but you're doing so well, I really appreciate your loyalty and how generous you are with your time.
What are some compliments, questions, statements, conversations you have had, received or given that wasn’t about body image or appearance?
Continue the conversation: Use the hashtag to continue the needed conversation and help in raising awareness towards mental, emotional and physical well being and reducing stigma. #shahnaduerksen#selfacceptance#bodyimage#positivebodyimage#roubicekandthacker#MentalHealthMonth#shahnaduerksenassociatemarriageandfamilytherapist#depressionawareness#roubicekandthackercounseling#bodyimage#positivebodyimage#MentalHealthMonth#shahnaduerksenassociatemarriageandfamilytherapist