There’s a fair amount of talk today about body positivity, self-improvement, and combatting unhealthy workout and diet culture. At the same time, I also think there’s a lot of fear to admit that sometimes we do feel self-judgemental—even to our closest friends.

Despite my body changing, I’m still happy with the way I look, which isn’t something that comes as easily as it sounds. This extra weight that I’ve gained is a reminder that anxieties don’t just disappear. Confidence is fluid, and it will slip away from you if you let it. Feeling good about yourself is a constant process of self-reassurance. 

Amanda DeStefano, chief clinical director at Multi-Service Eating Disorders Association, spoke at BC as part of National Eating Disorders Awareness Week.

Students were given 30 seconds to close their eyes and think of their first memory of body shaming.