This mental health awareness week the theme is body image. This can be a difficult topic for many, and yet can affect any one of us.
Body image is how we think and feel about ourselves physically, and how we believe others see us.
During your life, your brain and body go through huge changes. Your body releases hormones which make you more aware of how you look, and more aware of other people’s bodies. These changes happen to everyone, and can sometimes make you feel out of control or anxious.
Many people feel insecure about the way they look at some point in their lives. It’s important to remember that there isn’t a single type of beauty – everyone sees it differently. And there simply isn’t a right or a wrong way to look. But if you’re struggling, here are some things you can do.
- Be kind to yourself – try not to compare yourself to the many images you see online and in magazines, which are often digitally changed to make them look ‘perfect’ – they don’t reflect how people look in real life.
- Focus on the things you like about yourself, and the parts of your body that you like.
- Spend time with people who make you feel positive about yourself. It might help you to write down the nice things people say to you, and not just about how you look. Remember, people value you for many reasons.
- Talk to someone you trust. It could be your parents or wider family members, like cousins, aunts or uncles. Outside home, it could be a teacher, a neighbour, close family friend or someone from a club you attend.
If you feel unable to cope, or particularly worried about one part of your body, talk to your GP about how you’re feeling. They can listen, tell you about local services and support groups or they may suggest specific treatment for the way you’re feeling.
If you would like more information about how Hull and East Yorkshire Mind can help, you can call our Information Line on 01482 240133 or email [email protected]
