Body Image Concerns

Body image is the way individuals perceive their physical features and attractiveness to others. Many of us have at least a few insecurities. Still, some aren't very concerned about how they look, while others spend a lot of time worrying about and doing things to mitigate their perceived faults.

Unfair and unattainable standards of beauty place overwhelming pressure on people to maintain certain standards of physical attractiveness. All genders experience stigma around their appearance. Strides have been made to promote body positivity and diversity, but these negative attitudes are still prevalent, especially towards women.

Body image is a significant part of how people move in the world. It's hard to feel good if you're feeling uncomfortable, checking every window reflection you pass, avoiding mirrors, or constantly trying to adjust yourself. You may deal with a constant stream of negative self-talk and overthinking. Body image concerns can make intimate relationships more challenging and keep you from enjoying activities that feel exposing, like shopping for clothes, swimming, and going out in public or eating with others.

Many who struggle with their body image experience something called body dysmorphia. This is an overwhelming worry about one's own appearance, combined with a distorted view of a perceived flaw. Dysmorphia looks different for everyone who struggle with it, but usually it arises as an excessive, time-consuming preoccupation. You may look in the mirror and see a warped version of yourself that is incongruent with reality.

If your body image is causing you distress, it can come with a range of emotions, behaviors, and implications for your mental health. Body image issues can create feelings of sadness and exacerbate loneliness and isolation. Developing certain behaviors like excessive exercise, restrictive eating, and binge and purge cycles are a sign that you may be struggling with a more serious mental health condition. If your habits are destructive, restrictive, and motivated by negative self-esteem, it's worth addressing these before they become more concerning.

You aren't alone in struggling with your body image. There are ways to manage these behaviors and find a path to a healthier relationship with yourself.

Because we live in our bodies every day, it may feel impossible to escape body image concerns, but there are many ways to develop a better relationship with your body and yourself.

Body image concerns can create behaviors that are exhausting and depleting. Building self-esteem is directly linked to nourishing and taking care of yourself. This includes eating nutritious meals, engaging in some form of physical activity, and feeding your soul through creative arts, hobbies, and community. Grounding exercises and meditation are also ways many people cope with body image concerns; you may form a whole new relationship with your body.