During the past few years, the prevalence of mental illnesses have increased in Pakistan. It has been estimated that approximately, 15 million individuals are suffering from mental disorders in the country. More than half of this population struggle with an eating disorder at some point in their lives which remains undiagnosed. Early intervention efforts aimed to increase body acceptance can reduce disordered eating symptoms as well as help to create an environment that encourages healthy recovery. Numerous studies have linked exposure to prevalent “appearance ideal” in mass media to body dissatisfaction and disordered eating. Likewise, low self-esteem is a common characteristic of individuals who have eating disorders.
Body acceptance reinforces the value that “true beauty” is not simply skin deep. The team at Cyntax Health Projects recognizes the importance of body acceptance, media literacy, and education for creating awareness regarding eating disorders and mental disorders, thus, reducing the mental stigma associated with it in Pakistan. More than 1000 individuals have been educated through videos, podcasts, health camps and community events. In an effort to promote body positivity and promote screening and diagnosis as well as to contribute towards effective management of eating and mental disorders, Cyntax Health Projects has launched “The Healthy Body and Mind Project”-A Body Positivity Support Program for all age groups and genders.
The project aims to not only produce evidence based data but will also help in creating awareness and providing the tools and skills to confront unrealistic appearance ideals by engaging the masses in the development of healthy body image as well as improve their mental health. The program will develop individuals to identify unrealistic beauty standards, and challenge their personal body-related concerns. We are starting a movement! We hope that we will get support from our key partners specially the community for promoting body positivity and reducing the burden of eating and mental disorders in Pakistan.
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