Body Image

Some people have a positive body image, meaning they are comfortable with their weight, shape, and size—their appearance. This kind of self-acceptance is considered a 'healthy body image' or being 'body confident.'

Like everybody else, body-confident people still suffer from insecurities from time to time, but for the most part, they are comfortable with themselves and are able to control or rationalize any negative thoughts or comments related to their appearance.

Someone with a negative or distorted perspective of their own body might increase the likelihood of developing other related mental health problems, such as depression or eating disorders.

The media has always portrayed men and women with unrealistic physiques (increasingly digitally altered ideals) as 'perfect,' making people question and compare their own bodies. When people do this and feel their body isn't perfect like the one in the image, it can make them feel extremely anxious, self-conscious, and ugly in their own skin.

The pressure to look a certain way online can affect people's day-to-day lives, even making them too embarrassed or scared to share their own images or photos on social media without editing or photoshopping them.

Forums and body-positive communities all provide valuable access to people who are going through or have been through similar problems.

Remember: Be mindful that everybody has insecurities. Even if someone appears 'perfect' on social media, they most likely have their own insecurities that they struggle with, and possibly even edited the images to look the way they do.

Self-validation: Try not to rely on others for a confidence boost or validation; try to love yourself and all your quirky bits; your differences are your strengths! True confidence comes from self-acceptance. Once you feel good from within, it will radiate from you on the outside. If you don't rely on validation or acceptance from anybody else, you can't be let down, right?

Digi-detox: Try not to become too preoccupied with social media, especially when you're feeling low. The last thing you need to be looking at is all those 'fabulous looking' (photoshopped) lives on Instagram that are curated to look great and are not representative of real life whatsoever! Instead, read a good book or do something that makes you happy.

Respect yourself: Take care of yourself by trying to eat healthily, exercising regularly, and setting achievable goals to make yourself feel better physically and emotionally. Make sure the goals are achievable; even getting dressed can be a milestone.

Recognize: Appreciate your own beauty by creating a list of all the things that you love about yourself (on a good day!). When you're feeling down, you can go back and read how awesome you truly are!

Remember that body image disorders may need professional medical attention. If the problem persists or gets worse, contact a medical professional.