Body Image

Most people can pinpoint something about their bodies that they dislike or would like to change. They may say “my skin is not clear enough” or “my nose is too big.” Some are able to acknowledge these perceived imperfections and respect and love their bodies regardless. Unfortunately, for many, this type of self-acceptance can be difficult.

In a culture that values physical appearance and thinness above inner attributes, it can be a challenge to accept your body the way it is. Children, teens, and adults all face body dissatisfaction and many of them believe that they would be more accepted, admired, or happier if they could change their body. These individuals are more likely to develop certain mental health conditions, such as depression, anxiety, low self-esteem, and eating disorders. Look at the check list below to see if your body dissatisfaction has impacted your life in the following ways:

—Do you focus more on your outer appearance than your inner qualities?
—Do you grimace or have negative self-talk in front of the mirror?
—Do you exercise for weight loss or to “fix” a flaw versus for health and strength?
—Do you avoid certain social situations because of your perceived flaws?
—Do you constantly diet or buy diet foods?
—Do you fear others seeing you without makeup?
—Do you have problems in your relationships due to being preoccupied with your flaws?
—Do you worry that your own body dissatisfaction is negatively impacting your children?
—Do you have a teen struggling to accept the changes happening during puberty?
—Do you shy away from being photographed versus documenting your life?
—Do you fear friends posting photos of you on social media that you haven’t seen first?
—Do you post only the best version of yourself on social media and base your worth on likes or comments?

If you answered yes to any of these questions, therapy is a great place to start to explore your body image concerns and the underlying issues behind them. Lotus Therapy Group specializes in helping clients tackle these underlying issues and work towards body acceptance.