The Youth Minds Project was created to spread awareness about eating disorders and the consequences of negative body image. The rates of eating disorders have skyrocketed in the past decade especially among younger populations. The youth needs to be properly educated and those around them need to be taught to avoid certain practices to prevent the development of negative body image and possible eating disorders. The goal of this project is to increase understanding and awareness among the public in relation to body image and the struggles that many go through on a daily basis and garner support for organizations that fight to break stigmas and educate the youth.
The Projects We Support
The Body Positive
The Body Positive is a nonprofit organization that teaches people to listen to their bodies and learn and thrive. Their goal is to end the harmful consequences of negative body image including eating disorders, suicide, anxiety, depression, and substance abuse.
They offer many helpful resources:
- The 5 Competencies of their Be Body Positive Model
- Programs for Educators, Student Leaders, and Youth Program Coordinators
- Education for treatment providers
- Courses for individuals
- In-person trainings (currently on hold)
More Coming Soon….
Meet the Team
Jenya Mendiratta
President/ Founder
Soon to be senior in high school that has seen many around her struggle with negative body images and eating disorders all while seeming completely content with their lives. There is nothing more painful than keeping your struggles hidden and being unable to get the help you need because you are unaware of the fact that you need help. It is so important to spread awareness and raise funds to increase the amount of educators in primary and secondary schools who will be able to properly communicate the importance of a positive body image to the youth.
Zeal Shah
Co-VP
Zeal Shah is a rising sophomore who wants to combat the harmful effects that negative body image and eating disorders can have on one’s mental and physical health. As one who has seen the consequences of these prevalent mental health issues, she wants to make it easier for others struggling with their body and food to reach out and receive help
Lindsey Small
Co-VP
As a rising junior in high school, I’ve had my fair share of body image issues and have seen the struggles of others. it is my goal to spread awareness and provide recourses for not only people my age but the children who are growing up behind us. my hope is that these events can insert a sense of community within us all so that we can begin or continue to see ourselves as the beautiful people that we are.
Gayathri Sajith
Director
Hey guys! I’m Gayathri and I’m an upcoming freshman at Rutgers University. Growing up and being surrounded with talk about what my body should look like, I fell into a constant cycle of self hate and developed body image issues as well. However, this wasn’t only my story but it was many of my friends’ stories as well. Society has set itself up for unrealistic standards and promoted eating disorders to look a certain way. With the help of everyone who contributes to this cause, awareness for these growing issues will be raised and hopefully we’ll take the next step to changing societal standards and take the next step so people feel more comfortable in their own skin. It’s time for us to be happy within our own bodies. Please come out and show support!
Tia Sarkar
Marketing Director
Drishti Kanakia
Treasurer
Coming soon…
Youth Minds 