Overcoming Negative Body Image · Reclaim Your Health

Georgiana DesRosiers

7d ago in Knowledge Nuggets

Overcoming Negative Body Image

1. What is Negative Body Image?

Definition: Negative body image is a distorted perception of one’s body, leading to feelings of shame, anxiety, and discomfort.
Development: Begins in childhood, shaped by family, peers, media, and personality traits like perfectionism or self-criticism.
Common Signs: Obsessive self-scrutiny or avoiding mirrors. Comparing oneself to others. Difficulty accepting compliments. Disordered eating or exercise patterns.

2. Effects of Negative Body Image

Impacts both males and females, leading to: 1)Emotional struggles: anxiety, depression, low self-esteem. 2) Physical behaviors: disordered eating, unhealthy dieting, drug use (e.g., steroids). 3)Social withdrawal, risky sexual behaviors, and avoiding activities

3. Cultivating a Positive Body Image

Steps to Take:

Appreciate Your Body: Focus on what your body can do rather than how it looks.
Critique Media Messages: Be aware of unrealistic beauty standards and their effects.
Live Your Values: Redirect energy spent on body scrutiny into meaningful activities.
Focus on Inner Qualities: Recognize your positive traits and view yourself holistically.
Build a Support Network: Surround yourself with people who value you for more than your appearance.
Listen to Your Body: Eat, rest, and exercise in ways that honor your well-being.
Challenge Negative Thoughts: Replace critical self-talk with realistic, supportive thoughts.

When to Seek Help: If body image issues persist and lead to deeper struggles like depression or eating disorders, consider seeking professional support! :)

Takeaway: Developing a positive body image takes intentional effort, self-compassion, and sometimes support, but it is achievable and worth the journey.

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I wrote I an article on this for a previous employer. Since it’s technically their property now, I can’t just copy and paste the whole thing, but here is the FULL version of the article if you’re interested.

Part 1 (What it is, how it develops, what are the symptoms): Negative Body Image & You, Part 1 - Perspectives Counseling Centers of Michigan

Part 2 (Effects of negative body image; how to cultivate positive body image):Part 2: Effects of a Negative Body Image - Perspectives Counseling Centers of Michigan

Part 3 (More ways to cultivate positive body image): Part 3: More Ways to Cultivate a Positive Body Image - Perspectives Counseling Centers of Michigan

Some additional references:

The Dove Self-Esteem Project | Dove

“It’s not just girls. Boys struggle with Body Image, Too” (2014).