College and Learning How to Fit In Without Compromising Who You Are

In the age of selfies and social media, it is no wonder college and learning how to fit in is difficult especially with how the messages concerning body image have become skewed and distorted. Self-worth and acceptance are often interpreted through a number of photo likes, shares, retweets, and more.

Coupled with the ongoing message perpetuated by the media that “thinness” is beautiful, the standard of health is too often misrepresented.

College students, who are in the midst of a transition period in their life and typically learning to solidify their own identity, can become susceptible to these types of messages.

Pressures Students Face: College and Learning

It is no secret that college students are among the most overloaded individuals in our society. Burdened with surmounting stress of pressure to perform and achieve with academics, financial stressors from cost of living and education, career opportunities, developing a social life, and more.

The transition from living within a family unit to gaining greater independency can also be an adjustment, as college students become more self-sufficient. The changes and stressors that college students face during this particular transition can create a sense of vulnerability for some.

As students also begin making new friends and building a social life of their own, the desire to be accepted may not be stronger than at this point.

While some students come into college with known friends, many individuals are starting over, finding a niche and social circle where one feels accepted can be challenging.

When external circumstances feel out of one’s control, it is not uncommon to turn inward towards factors that can be controlled. Changing and altering appearance can seem like a feasible way for fitting in or not standing out. College students might feel more sensitive about outward appearance.

Changing the Message

Creating healthy habits as a college student begins with how you perceive and treat yourself. While there are resounding pressures to fit into a certain mold to gain acceptance and favor with others, attempting to do so will not allow you to thrive with the characteristics unique to you.

Connecting with other individuals who encourage you to be yourself and with whom you feel comfortable around are the types of friendships you want to surround yourself with.

Remember that you do not need to change anything about yourself or your body simply to gain acceptance and that the truest of friendships are based on many other factors and character qualities.

About the Author: Crystal is a Masters-level Registered Dietitian Nutritionist (RDN) with a specialty focus in eating disorders, maternal/child health and wellness, and intuitive eating. Combining clinical experience with a love of social media and writing, Crystal serves where her passion to help others find recovery and healing is integrated into each part of her work.

As a Certified Intuitive Eating Counselor, Crystal has dedicated her career to helping others establish a healthy relationship with food and body through her nutrition private practice.

The opinions and views of our guest contributors are shared to provide a broad perspective of eating disorders. These are not necessarily the views of Eating Disorder Hope, but an effort to offer discussion of various issues by different concerned individuals.

We at Eating Disorder Hope understand that eating disorders result from a combination of environmental and genetic factors. If you or a loved one are suffering from an eating disorder, please know that there is hope for you, and seek immediate professional help.

Last Updated & Reviewed By: Jacquelyn Ekern, MS, LPC on August 16, 2016
Published on EatingDisorderHope.com