Meeting November 17, 2021
In our last meeting of the fall semester we met with Julia Coelho and Malissa Sowinski of the FSU Counseling Center. We discuss sexual assault prevention and awareness, as well as how to maintain a healthy body image. Both of these topics are important and we want to thank all those that came to this meeting.
Sexual Assault prevention:
Julia and Malissa use an acronym called C.A.R.E to remember bystander prevention guidelines:
C- Create a distraction. Interrupt safely when an individual is at risk.
A- Ask directly if they need help. Do you need help? Would you like me to stay with you?
R- Rally others. Safety comes in numbers, can be authority or a friend.
E- Extend support. Offer a ride home or guidance after the incident.
Remembering this simple acronym can help those who are affected. If you know someone who was sexually assaulted, providing them with general support can do more than you think.
FSU Green Dot is a bystander prevention program that offers half or full day trainings on multiple scenarios. rain.org/TALK also provides more information on talking with loved ones regarding sexual violence.
Maintaining Healthy Body Image:
Self-image is the internalized mental image and view of ourselves. When looking at the mirror, many times we are critical and say things about ourselves we wouldn't say about others. Here are some ways to prevent and fix this mindset.
Begin by asking:
1) What does it mean to be me? Who am I? What defines me?
2) Why is all of this important?
3) Am I mostly encouraging or critical to myself? How do I tend to label myself? How do I talk to myself throughout the day?
Throughout your lifetime you will grow, so make sure to keep a loose grasp on the answers to your questions. Things will change as you get older, and if you keep holding on to those exact answers, you won't be able to grow into a better you.
Make sure to follow through with your word, and don't let society define you or have others being the one to complete you. Remember.... self-esteem isn't self-absorption!
Some final thinking strategies:
1) Avoid exaggerations
2) Put a stop to negative thoughts & spirals
3) Accept flaws and imperfections (You're human!)
4) Don't feel guilty for things beyond your control
5) Do feel responsible for your feelings.
Thank you to Julia Coelho and Malissa Sowiniski for coming to our meeting Wednesday. the topics they discussed are important and often dimmed down in our society because of the extremity. As women we are more prone to these topics happening in or around our lives, so being informed is the greatest measure we can take.