Developing Positive Body Image

Having a negative body image can impact you in many ways. When you don’t have a healthy body image you often view yourself poorly, not seeing yourself as others do. We often focus on all our shortcomings and speak to ourselves in very harsh, negative ways. This can greatly affect your mental health, but it doesn’t have to stay this way. Therapy can help. 

Body Image and Eating Disorders: Reflecting on the Relationship

Poor body image can lead to disordered eating. Your perception of your body image is distinct from how you actually look. The way you see yourself is a complicated construct influenced by perceptions, beliefs, feelings, thoughts, and behaviors. Our body image starts to develop early in life, and it can be influenced by many factors. TV, magazines, internet, and social media – can increase the risks for body dissatisfaction and eating disorders, says the National Eating Disorders Association (NEDA). 

Eating disorders are serious and can even be life threatening. If you feel that your body image, or that of someone close to you, may be impacting the way they eat and take care of themselves it can be helpful to consult with a mental health professional. 

The “Roots” of Disordered Eating 

Having a negative body image is a common cause of eating disorders, but experts agree that it has no specific, single cause. It is usually triggered by a combination of several factors, emotions or pressures from peers, family, friends, and society in general. Some common factors include genetic, emotional, social, and cultural influences. Social media has become a strong influencer of body image and eating disorders. 

Unfortunately, the strong message sent out to the public does not promote healthy weight. The unhealthy message that is being sent out is that “thin and able bodies are the most desirable and, by extension, that all other bodies have less value,” says Very Well Mind. This message is highly damaging. 

How does social media affect body image and eating disorders? NEDA cites the following:

  • Numerous correlational and experimental studies have linked exposure to the thin ideal in mass media to body dissatisfaction, internalization of the thin ideal, and disordered eating among women.
  • Of American elementary school girls who read magazines, 69% say that the pictures influence their concept of the ideal body shape. 47% say the pictures cause them to want to lose weight. (Martin, 2010).
  • Pressure from mass media to be muscular also appears to be related to body dissatisfaction among men. This effect may be smaller among women, but it is still significant.

Counseling and Body Image

Having a healthy body image is important, though it often takes a concerted effort to view yourself in a positive way. We are almost conditioned to believe that we are not enough and that we need to strive to continue to be better. You can start believing in yourself and valuing yourself, body included. 

CCS – Fuquay-Varina, NC is here to support you in your journey. Let us start by helping you to see yourself in a more realistic and positive light. Therapy can help you to process your view of yourself and challenge unhealthy beliefs. Call CCS today to get started.