How Does Body Image Affect Mental Health?

Описание: The next time you walk past a mirror, take a second to stop and look at yourself – whatever version you see in the reflection is your body image. These thoughts and feelings can either be positive or negative.

While many people are proud of how they look, there is a faction of others who have issues with their version of themselves. These negative views can have an impact on both your physical and mental health. We will detail the four aspects of body image, how societal norms affect body image and highlight tips on how to keep a positive body image.

But ar ethere ways to improve body image over time? We explain. https://integrisok.com/bodyimage

What is body image?
Since the word “body” is a general term, what you see can be anything from your weight to your face to your skin. In other words, body image isn’t always dependent on your weight; it can also be an issue you perceive with your nose or some other body part.

Body image issues
Body image isn’t a black or white issue – there is some gray area involved – but people tend to fall under the body acceptance category or the body dissatisfaction category.

Body acceptance vs. body dissatisfaction
Body acceptance is just that – learning to accept your body for what it is. The act of acceptance means you respect and understand your body, knowing you may both struggle with it and celebrate it at times.

By comparison, body dissatisfaction – also called negative body image – involves negative thoughts and feelings associated with your body image. Most often, this dissatisfaction is a distorted view of how you truly feel or look. In general, women have a negative body image more so than men, mainly due to societal norms.

Unfortunately, these negative thoughts and feelings tend to start at an early age. About half of elementary school girls have weight concerns or are worried about becoming fat, according to the National Eating Disorders Association. Children are more likely to have body image issues if they’re bullied at school for their appearance or grow up in a household where weight is an issue.

Body image and mental health
Issues with your body don’t start and end with physical appearance. The mental aspect of having poor body image can create a toxic environment. A person who thinks they’re too overweight or not muscular enough is only part of the problem. More issues arise when people begin to second guess their worth.

For example, you may not like how you physically look and allow yourself to think negatively about how you’re not good enough or not attractive enough.

Having negative thoughts about your body image can create a whole host of problems, including anxiety, body dysmorphia, depression, eating disorders (anorexia, bulimia) and feelings of shame or guilt.

How to improve body image
The first step in improving your body image is to identify the triggers of your negative thoughts and feelings. For example, feelings of guilt should be explored to find the source. Once identified, you can learn from your experiences by allowing compassion and self-gratitude instead of being critical.

Try not to compare yourself to others. It may take time and effort, but it’s important to learn to appreciate your body for what it truly is – and not what it can or should be. People with a positive outlook tend to view themselves in a more positive way and free of judgment.

Improving your body image isn’t as simple as losing or gaining weight – it’s still possible for people to be unhappy with how they look if they’re thin. The more important part is to promote a healthy lifestyle instead of obsessing over a certain number on the scale.

While it may be hard to get over the physical nature of your body, know that one aspect doesn’t define who you are as a person. There is no such thing as the perfect face, the perfect complexion or the perfect height and weight.

It can help to limit media consumption – especially social media – as many body image triggers occur from looking at edited images of men and women. In some cases, unfollowing certain celebrities, personalities and influencers on social media can help to avoid these triggers.

If you find yourself struggling with body image, contact a mental health provider in your area to discuss how you can change the way you view yourself. Your body is something that should be celebrated – not to be ashamed of!