Body Image Concerns
Body image refers to how we perceive our own bodies and how we believe others perceive us. Concerns around body image arise when individuals develop negative perceptions, thoughts, and feelings about their physical appearance. These feelings can be influenced by individual and environmental factors such as self-esteem, family pressure, and societal and cultural standards of beauty.
Body image concerns can significantly impact a person's mental health, potentially leading to severe conditions such as body dysmorphic disorder, eating disorders like anorexia nervosa or bulimia nervosa, and severe depression or anxiety.
Excessive worrying about specific body parts or overall appearance.
• Regularly comparing your appearance with others and feeling inadequate.
• Avoidance of social situations due to concerns about appearance.
• Engaging in drastic measures to change your body (extreme dieting, over-exercising, considering cosmetic surgery).
• Body dissatisfaction leading to mental health issues such as anxiety or depression.
Treatment strategies for body image concerns typically involve psychotherapy, particularly cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT). CBT helps individuals understand and change thought patterns leading to damaging behaviours or feelings. A key goal is to recognize unhealthy attitudes towards body image and work towards a more positive self-perception.
Support groups can also be valuable, providing a safe space to share experiences and gain mutual support. In some cases, medication may be recommended, especially if body image concerns coexist with conditions such as anxiety or depression.
You deserve to feel good about yourself and your body. If body image concerns are impacting your quality of life, reach out to us. Our team of psychologists is dedicated to helping you navigate towards a positive self-view. There's no need to struggle alone; we are here to help. Contact us today.