Coping with body image issues in the modern world
Body image issues in the modern world have generally become quite common. Opening a discussion about body image can be vital to working on the problem and helping millions of people feel more comfortable, confident, and happy in their own skin. If you’d like to improve your body image, consider talking to friends and family members about the challenges you’ve been experiencing. It can also be helpful to avoid images from popular media, focus on what you like about yourself, use positive self-talk, and seek the professional guidance of a licensed therapist.
What is body image?
While a focus on outward appearance has likely existed for a long time, the rise of our exposure to media has generally brought an increase in awareness of our own physical appearances. The relationship between body image and the media can be controversial. The narrow representation of beauty in the media often excludes individuals who do not conform to the ideal body type, potentially impacting their body image.
Younger individuals typically experience some of the most challenging body image concerns, but anyone may face difficulties with their physical appearance.
A negative body image may not be uncommon, but it can still be challenging to cope with. However, it can be possible to overcome a negative body image.
Body image can be defined as how you see your physical appearance and how you believe others perceive your physical appearance. It can relate to how you feel about your appearance, your beliefs about how you look, and how you think that your body compares to other people’s bodies. Your body image can also relate to how you feel in your body (such as whether you feel confident and comfortable using your body to do different activities, such as sports or daily chores).
Strategies to improve body image
Below, discover several strategies that may be helpful in improving your body image.
Avoid looking at popular media images
Many of the pictures of bodies that you see in popular media can be “fake,” meaning that they’ve been heavily edited, altered, or otherwise changed in some way. Even images that you see in movies or videos can be edited with today’s technology. Most of the alterations made to these images can create unrealistic expectations of how the human body should look. The media can be a huge source of fuel for the development and perpetuation of a person’s negative body image.
Think about what you like about yourself
People who have a negative body image sometimes find it difficult to identify positive things about their bodies (or about themselves in general). Instead of observing the things you don’t like about yourself, try to notice the things you do like! Start small and keep going from there. Maybe you really like your eyes or a particular birthmark, or you may feel like you look great in a certain outfit. Perhaps you like the sound of your laugh or your exceptional baking ability. The things you notice about yourself that you like don’t have to be physical. After all, physical appearance can only be one small part of what makes you, you!
Talk with someone you trust
Being open about your body image concerns with a trusted friend, parent, sibling, or therapist can be an excellent way to start resolving any difficulties you may be experiencing related to your body image.
By talking with the people who care about you, you might receive valuable input, not only regarding the good things about your appearance but also about who you are as a person. You might be surprised to find that your friends and family have gone through the same sentiments you’re experiencing. Having a real conversation about what you’re feeling can be an impactful step toward recovery.
Notice the nice things people say about you
When you’re talking to people or interacting with others, tune into the nice things people say about you and try to believe them. Paying attention to how other people see you can help you see yourself more clearly. Remember, though, that there may be times when people say negative things, too. That can be why it’s often crucial to learn to love yourself! Try to surround yourself as much as possible with positive, friendly people who boost your confidence and support you.
To help yourself remember the numerous things people say to you or about you, consider keeping a journal so you can remind yourself of these kind words on the days when you’re feeling discouraged.
To reverse this technique, notice nice things about other people and let them know about it (if it feels appropriate). For example, you might comment on your friend’s great haircut or your mom’s smile, or maybe tell your brother that you love his new shoes. When you turn your energy toward noticing the positive things in other people, you may also turn your energy toward seeing the positive things in yourself. You may never know what other people are going through, and the little kindnesses can be some of the most essential ones. When you put positive energy out into the world, you may be more likely to receive positive energy in return.
Use positive self-talk
One of the distinctive aspects of a negative body image is often a pattern of negative self-talk. Self-talk can be described as the conversations we have with ourselves and the things we say to ourselves in our minds.
Negative self-talk about your body can be challenging to stop, but active attention to practicing positive self-talk will often, over time, counteract the negative. At first, you might not notice your negative self-talk. It can be helpful to keep a journal or talk to someone you trust about your internal thoughts and conversations so that you can see or hear your thoughts out loud (or on paper). This way, you can notice negative patterns more quickly, and you can start the process of replacing the negative comments with positive or balanced comments instead.
Help and resources for body image issues
Complimenting other people or saying nice things to yourself can reinforce a new pattern of positive self-talk.
There are also support groups available to encourage more positive thought patterns and a healthy body image. Changing your thinking can be one of the most difficult things to do, but it can also be one of the most rewarding goals, and it can produce some of the most profound and joyful outcomes! Even if you feel discouraged at times, try to keep going, and ask for help and support when you need it. Your friends and family can help you in keeping yourself accountable and keep you in check when negative thoughts begin to arise.
A negative body image can be toxic to your mental health, and many people experience difficulties resolving it. Getting help from a licensed mental health professional can make a huge difference! There’s no shame in reaching out for professional guidance.
It can be essential to get help right away if you’re living with an eating disorder associated with a negative body image or suspect that your ideas about body image could lead to an eating disorder. When left untreated, eating disorders can cause serious health repercussions. It can be best to communicate right away with someone you trust or with a healthcare professional if you notice signs of an eating disorder. Click here to learn more about the National Eating Disorder Association Helpline, or contact them by dialing 1-800-931-2237. Help is available Monday through Thursday from 9 AM to 9 PM EST and Friday from 9 AM to 5 PM EST.
Get support with online therapy
Discussing body image challenges with a therapist can be a vulnerable experience. For some, it may be helpful to attend therapy sessions online from the comfort of their homes or other locations where they feel at ease. It can be easier to open up from a familiar location, and online therapy can enable you to choose between video chat, phone call, or online chat, depending on your preferences.
Effectiveness of online therapy
Although more research may be needed regarding the efficacy of online therapy specifically for body image concerns, evidence supports the idea that online therapy can be an effective treatment for eating disorders. A 2021 study reported that there were “large effect sizes for the reduction of ED psychopathology and body dissatisfaction, and small to moderate effect sizes for physical and mental health, self-esteem, social functioning, and quality of life.”
Takeaway
What is the main cause of body image issues?
Research shows that BMI is one of the biggest factors that leads to body image issues. While not everyone with a high BMI will have a negative body image, it is more likely for people who weigh more to dislike their appearance. Overweight individuals may develop an intense fear of being judged in social settings due to their weight.
How do you fix body image problems?
To fix body image problems, you need to change the way you think about your body. Try to practice self-acceptance, learning to love your body for what it is, or at least to think neutrally about your body. Reflect on what you were taught from a young age about your body and how that has shaped your body image. Avoid being put in situations that encourage a negative body image, whether that’s the social media you consume or certain people who speak negatively about their bodies. If you have a mental health condition that is contributing to a negative body image, connect with a therapist to seek treatment.
What does an unhealthy body image look like?
When someone has an unhealthy body image, they are unhappy with how their body appears. For example, they may compare their body to other people, whether it’s people they see in real life or people portrayed in the media. They may engage in unhealthy repetitive behaviors to alter their appearance, going to extremes to achieve what they believe is a healthy weight.
What are the 4 types of body image?
According to the National Eating Disorders Collaboration, there are four aspects of body image.
- Perceptual body image is the way you see your own body. It doesn’t always align with your actual appearance, as is the case for people with body dysmorphic disorder.
- Affective body image is the way you feel about your body.
- Cognitive body image is the way you think about your body.
- Behavioral body image involves the behaviors you engage in as a result of your body image. If someone has a negative body image, this may involve behaviors such as disordered eating.
What are the 3 effects of poor body image?
Can you tell if someone has body image issues?
Someone who has body image issues is more likely to engage in negative behaviors in order to try to drastically change their appearance. They may be overly concerned about gaining weight, participating in restrictive eating or over exercising in order to maintain a low body weight or to lose weight. They may say negative things about their appearance and nitpick at their perceived flaws, even when no one else would notice them.
What affects body image the most?
Recently, social media has become a major influence on body image. It can be tempting to compare one’s body with the filtered portrayals you see on social media, so using social media has been linked to greater body dissatisfaction.
Is body image a mental illness?
Body image is simply a mindset, it is the way you view your body and appearance. However, negative body image can be linked to mental illness such as depression. Positive body image, on the other hand, often means you are less likely to develop a mental disorder or related eating disorder such as binge eating disorder or anorexia nervosa.
How do people with low self-esteem behave?
People with low self-esteem may struggle to maintain healthy relationships with others. They may become extremely upset by any criticism and avoid being put in situations where they feel they will be compared with others. They may stop trying to maintain their appearance or overcompensate by trying to be extremely put together at all times.
How do you know if someone is insecure about their body?
When someone is insecure about their body, you may notice certain behaviors exhibited in that person’s life. They may often make negative comments about their appearance or try to hide their body with baggy clothes or extreme cosmetic procedures. People who feel insecure about their appearance may experience low self-esteem and be more likely to abuse drugs or drink too much alcohol.
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