HUNTINGTON, W.Va. (AP) — Women aren’t the only ones with body-image problems, and Marshall University’s Psychology Clinic plans to offer men a chance to talk about their issues.
Psychology professor Keith Beard says men, too, are bombarded with images and messages about how they should look. He says it can create stress and depression for some men that can harm self-esteem and relationships.
The sessions will last eight weeks and will be held on Tuesdays starting in March.
VicBears will tackle body image issues in its first-ever theatrical production being staged as part of this year’s Midsumma festival.
Described as a story of sex, self-worth and body image, Man Boobs follows Spence (Phil Webster), a man who has spent the last 20 years struggling to cope with the burden of a painful memory, and Marty (Raymond Lee) a man who has developed feelings for Spence.
The show is the pilot production produced under VicBears’ ARTicle II Initiative, a project offering support and resources to artists to produce Bear-inclusive pieces.
“VicBears is always looking for new ways to engage with our community with the issues that matter to them – it only makes sense to provide a platform for their stories to be told,” VicBears arts coordinator and Man Boobs director Jack Chapman said.
“Whether it is trying to find comfort in your own skin, or loving someone who doesn’t love themselves, many people within our community will identify with the characters and the themes presented in the play.”
The production is supported by the Victorian AIDS Council/Gay Men’s Health Centre, with all profits from ticket sales donated to the Country Awareness Network Victoria.
INFO: Man Boobs will run January 19-21 at Kerynia Cafe (level 2. 354 Smith Street, Collingwood). Book online at vicbears.org.au/arts or www.midsumma.org.au
Women are the only ones that suffer from eating disorders and Body Dysmorphic Disorder. Wrong! In men the disorder more often goes unreported but is very real. Let’s take a look at Where male body image issues originate.
I woke up one rainy Tuesday morning feeling under the weather and slightly blue. On my way to the the restroom I glanced into the mirror. One quick look at my butt. Too big? A quick glance at my face. I need eye cream. A pat on my stomach. Will I ever have a six pack?
Seemingly odd scenario? Not quite. We all want to look our best, especially when socializing or courting that cute boy, but preoccupation with our bodies can lead to several damaging eating disorders, preoccupation with a perceived defect in appearance called Body Dysmorphic Disorder (BDD), steroid use, muscle dysmorphia (where men believe their muscles are too small), and mananorexia.
Dr. Murray Drummond, men’s health lecturer at the University of South Australia estimates that 5- 10% of people with eating disorders are men. And according to psychotherapist Abigail H. Natenshon, 20% of those men are gay.
Where do male body image issues originate?
Many theories charge modern advertisements and media campaigns that portray men as lean, muscular and fat-free, with perpetuating obsession with body image. Majority of magazine covers (such as Men’s Health) and billboards give rise to the perception that the ideal, desired man is one that is perfectly fit.Is a person’s eagerness to stay fit and look good a bad thing?
Not necessarily. Regular exercise and healthier right are ingredients to a healthier lifestyle. Problems arise when a preoccupation with body image interferes with daily life or creates stress and anxiety.Getting Help
Preoccupation with body image can lead to dangerous disorders such as anorexia. Eating disorders are serious medical conditions. To get help, visit The National Eating Disorders Association or call their helpline at 1-800-931-2237.This quick questionnaire can help determine if you have an issue with body image.
One part me says, “Are you kidding me?” This is exactly what I think is wrong with the minds of a majority of gay me, willing to die for their physical appearance and putting their bodies as their number one priority. The other part of thinks, “One year, I’d only loose one year?”
Exactly how far would you go for cast-iron pecs or the perfect six-pack?
Indeed, gay men have been stereotypically cast as gym bunnies by popular culture for some time, but a new British poll has now revealed a slightly more disturbing fact about that population’s fractured relationship with body image. A study commissioned by the Central YMCA, the Succeed Foundation and the University of the West of England’s (UWE) Centre for Appearance Research in Bristol found that48 percent of gay male respondents would sacrifice a year or more of their lives in exchange for a perfect body. Perhaps even more onerous: researchers also found that 10 percent of those men would agree to die more than 11 years earlier if they could have their ideal body right now, according to Pink News. Continue reading
A quality resource for gay men to safely learn, teach and communicate about health issues with one another in the spirit of good health.
We want to help you get your mind, body and spirit on the same playing field. Our goal is to help gay men take a good long deep look on the inside at the same time, as pumping up their biceps. Happy mind = better looking biceps. Our community has far to much focus on physical appearance, leaving mental health issues hidden, ignored and something to be a shamed of. We say NO MORE.
We are searching for other health practitioners and doctors to share their specialties with us on Accidental Bear website and be featured. E-mail us at accidentalbear@gmail.com for more information.
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In order to achieve overall health and a happier you, you need to start by looking inside first, which includes your mental health (depression, anxiety, body image etc) and nutrition.
“Gay and bisexual men and other men who have sex with men (MSM) represent an incredibly diverse community. Gay and bisexual men have both shared and unique experiences and circumstances that affect their physical health and mental health needs as well as their ability to receive high-quality health services.” CDC
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