I have posted articles, images, and videos related to body image issues in the female, youth population, but I have yet to tell a personal story. I remember shopping with my mother when I was just twelve-years-old. She had gained weight after going back to college, and needed to find new clothes because she had outgrown hers. Despite her weight gain, my mother is and was absolutely beautiful. I remember waiting outside the dressing room as the tried on a pant suit, but she didn't come out. Eventually I knocked on the door, and when she let me in, I noticed tears in her eyes. She sat on the floor and began to sob, saying that she thought she was going to be sick every time she looked in the mirror. I was shocked. This woman, who had always been inspirational in her strength, encouraging me to be true to myself and proud of who I was, had been reduced to tears because of her weight. The image of her sitting on the floor in the corner of this dressing room will be with me forever. She helped me to understand the NOBODY is immune to societal pressures. People often stigmatize eating disorders, self-mutilation, and body dysmprohic issues. I urge everyone to fight the urge to judge people suffering with these issues, and to take every opportunity to offer help and support.