Post written by Lauren MacLean

Back in high school, I was very interested in fashion and design, so of course I bought tons of magazines, tried lots of different styles and played with makeup. I had some majorly weird outfits that I’m happy I never took photos of! (This was before the selfie made it big). Think pink eye shadow, furry lace-up boots with miniskirts, mixing patterns and trying on my mom’s clothes from the 70’s. Yeah.

Teen Vogue was one of the magazines I bought religiously. Every month, waiting for the newest issue was almost painful. Once I got it, I’d read it cover to cover, advertisements and everything. If you’ve never read this magazine, it contains lots of picture stories (editorials), articles on the latest health trend (or scare), a spotlight on a trendy starlit and lot and lots of ads. All the clothes and accessories featured are horrendously expensive, and most of the fashion editorials are really out there.

Looking back, It’s hard believe I wanted to be like the thin models with their bones sticking out of their clothes because now, I think having muscles is so much more attractive. But it’s true, I was no exception to those who fell for the media’s messages about beauty. I remember thinking about how being able to fit into small, expensive clothes like the models was a measure of success.

As I read these magazines, I soaked up all the latest fashion tips and tricks like a dry sponge. I also found myself vulnerable to believing everything in the articles. There were articles about everything from prescription drug abuse to date rape to one on body dysmorphic disorder (BDD) that particularly stuck out to me. BDD is a condition where the person becomes excessively worried about one body part. I remember finishing the article and thinking, “If so many people have this, I wonder if I have it too”.

Over the next few weeks, I became convinced that I had BDD. I eventually went to my mom and confided in her. She was dumbfounded that I would self-diagnose myself using Teen Vogue. She forbade me from ever buying another Teen Vogue.

It seemed harsh at the time, but as the weeks went by, not looking at those images or reading those articles was a relief. I even started to notice how phony the media can be sometimes. It took a little while but I was able to stop comparing myself and my ailments to others and just focus on doing my own thing. I continued experimenting with my hair, makeup, and accessories, of course, but I didn’t need anyone or any magazine telling me what to do or believe. I started concentrating on what matters — just being me.

About Lauren

Lauren MacLean is president of the Red River College Students’ Association. She is completing her second year of Business Administration with an accounting major. After receiving her RRC diploma she plans to continue her studies towards a Commerce degree. 

Rebecca puts together a package of food for a student at the RRC Campus Food Bank. Photo credit: Jessica Botelho-Urbanski.

Rebecca Trudeau is a second-year student in the Community Development/Community Economic Development program. She is Red River College’s food bank coordinator, an active volunteer in the community and was the recipient of the 2014 Premiere of Manitoba Volunteer Service Award.

Food insecurity

There is a direct link between mental health and ‘food insecurity’ (not having regular access to food). This is because many people with mental illnesses continue to be stigmatized when applying for jobs or in the workforce, making it difficult for them to gain employment or hold down a steady job. In 2013, approximately 90 per cent of Canadians with a diagnosed mental illness were unemployed leaving many of these people to rely on a food bank.

Any registered dietician will tell you that mental health is impacted by diet. When people who are unemployed are not eating a nutritious and well-balanced diet, their mental health is also affected in a negative way, perpetuating a negative situation, especially for people vulnerable to mental illness. Being food insecure also generates feelings of depression, guilt, shame, anxiety, stress, anger, and decreased energy — all without a doubt having a negative impact on overall mental health.

My experience

I have quite a bit of experience working with people dealing with mental health issues and food insecurity. This past summer I worked at Food Matters Manitoba. I also run Red River College’s Campus Food Bank and am a long-time volunteer turned employee with Winnipeg Harvest.

Growing up, I also experienced firsthand the impact mental health and unemployment has on food insecurity. Many of my family members have been diagnosed with mental health issues including my mother who was diagnosed with schizoaffective disorder and has substance abuse issues. I grew up on social assistance, which had a significant impact on my family’s ability to access nutritious food on a regular basis. In fact, there were times where we didn’t have any food at all.

Typically, a single mother on social assistance receives about $12,300 per year, which is supposed to cover rent, utilities, transportation, personal care items such as clothes and food. However, there is often little money left over for food after paying bills. This means many Manitobans have to turn to Winnipeg Harvest — the main distribution centre for more than 380 agencies in Manitoba. These agencies supply food to approximately 64,000 clients every month — 47 per cent of them children. Other clients include seniors, individuals with physical disabilities, newcomers, single mothers, and highest of all, people with mental health issues.

Changing our perceptions

Even though one in five Canadians will experience a mental health issue at some point in their lives, there is still a stigma attached to having a mental health issue, especially for people who are unemployed. We need to change these negative attitudes and perceptions because with understanding and the right help, people with mental health issues can build skills, confidence and contribute greatly to our society.

Red River College helps about 70 families every two weeks at its food banks located at the Notre Dame and Exchange District Campuses. The people accessing this food could be your classmates, friends or the student sitting next to you in the library.

So before you make assumptions about someone with a mental health issue or who visits a food bank, I ask you to consider about how complex their situation is. I ask you to please be considerate and show kindness because most of the time, they are just doing the best they can.

More information:

Please visit RRC’s website to find out more about the Campus Food Bank.