BODY
IMAGE
ISSUES
BODY IMAGE
ABOUT
Body image is how we see, think and feel about our own body.
Body image issues are a common struggle that many people face, affecting how we perceive and feel about our physical appearance. These concerns can range from mild dissatisfaction to more significant concerns about how one looks, and can arise at any age and impact individuals of all genders, backgrounds, and body types.
At its core, body image is about more than just how we look - it's deeply intertwined with our self-esteem, mental health, and overall well-being. It encompasses our thoughts, perceptions, and behaviours related to our bodies
DO I SUFFER FROM
NEGATIVE
BODY IMAGE
?
Body image issues are quite common and, unlike mental health issues such as Body Dysmorphic Disorder (BDD), it may not be a constant experience. At times, you might feel positive about your body, while at other moments, you may grapple with your appearance. These thoughts and emotions are often shaped by your surroundings and circumstances.
BODY IMAGE ISSUES CAN FEEL LIKE:
-
Feeling dissatisfied when you look in the mirror
-
Feeling inadequate or not attractive enough
-
Comparing your appearance to friends or influencers on social media
-
Hiding/ masking parts of your body out of shame or discomfort
-
Sensing a disconnect between your body and your gender
-
Avoiding social situations due to appearance anxiety
RELATED CONDITIONS
WHAT CAUSES
BODY IMAGE
ISSUES
?
Body image issues can develop due to a variety of complex factors. Here are some of the key causes:
STRUGGLING WITH NEGATIVE
BODY IMAGE
?
If you're experiencing body image issues, you're not alone. Many people struggle with how they perceive their appearance. Here are some steps you can take to address these concerns:
1
Recognise your
feelings
It’s okay to feel the way you do. Acknowledging your feelings without judgment is a strong first step in creating a better relationship with your body. Consider journaling or talking to a friend, as putting feelings into words can make them feel more manageable.
2
Practice
self-compassion
When body image struggles arise, try speaking to yourself as you would to a friend. Be kind, gentle, and patient with yourself. Remind yourself that negative thoughts are temporary, and they don’t define your worth.
3
Limit
social media
exposure
Social media can easily fuel negative body image by presenting unrealistic ideals. Set limits on your usage, unfollow accounts that trigger comparisons, and fill your feed with body-positive or neutral content instead. Digital detoxes, even brief ones, can have a significant impact.
4
Focus on
health,
not just
appearance
Try to shift your focus from appearance-based goals to health-based ones. Instead of aiming to "look a certain way," consider goals like feeling more energetic, sleeping better, or finding enjoyable physical activities.
5
Create a
positive
environment
Surround yourself with people who lift you up and remind you of your strengths beyond appearance. Talk to friends, family, or even online communities that focus on self-love, body positivity, or mental health.
6
self-help
&
mindfulness
Try
Mindfulness can be a powerful tool in managing body image struggles. Practices like deep breathing, grounding exercises, and guided meditations help redirect focus away from self-criticism and bring you into the present moment. Many apps offer body-positive meditations and tools that can ease stress, encourage self-compassion, and support a balanced view of yourself over time.
7
Consider
professional support
If body image issues are overwhelming, you don’t have to handle them alone. A therapist specialising in body image, self-esteem, or cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT) can offer guidance and coping strategies.
BODY IMAGE ISSUES
vs.
BODY DYSMORPHIC DISORDER
While negative body image and Body Dysmorphic Disorder (BDD) are related, they are distinct concepts with some key differences. When it comes to cosmetic procedures, distinguishing between body image issues and BDD is crucial; patients with negative body image tend to benefit from aesthetic treatments, while patients suffering from Body Dysmorphia do not-- in fact, cosmetic procedures often worsen the condition.
Severity & Impact
Negative body image can cause dissatisfaction but doesn't typically interfere significantly with daily functioning.
BDD involves obsessive preoccupation that severely impairs social, occupational, and other areas of functioning.
Focus
Negative body image tends to be more general dissatisfaction with appearance but can be centred on a specific body part.
BDD fixates obsessively on specific perceived flaws, often minor or even imagined.
Preoccupation
Those with negative body image may think about their appearance periodically but are typically not preoccupied by it.
BDD sufferers tend to experience preoccupation and spend hours each day thinking about and trying to fix or hide perceived flaws
Typical Behaviours
Negative body image may lead to some appearance-focused behaviours but they are generally not severe, time-consuming, and disruptive to daily life.
BDD involves repetitive, compulsive behaviours like excessive grooming, mirror checking, or seeking reassurance to the extent of impairment of their daily life.
Level of Distress
Negative body image can cause some distress but it should not be frequent or severe.
BDD causes extreme distress, anxiety, depression, and even suicidal thoughts.
Perception
Those with negative body image tend to recognise their view is somewhat distorted.
BDD sufferers have a severely distorted perception of their appearance that's very difficult to change.
Treatment Needs & Methods
Negative body image may improve with self-help or counselling. Cosmetic procedures can significantly help with body image issues.
BDD often requires intensive professional treatment like cognitive behavioural therapy and medication. Cosmetic procedures do not improve BDD- in fact, they tend to worsen the condition.
MORE
INFORMATION
& SUPPORT
Struggling with body image issues? There are services that can help.