Body Image

According to the National Eating Disorders Association (NEDA), body image is a mental representation of oneself that is created in the mind, but may not be accurate or relate to how others may view the individual in question.

When you look in the mirror or picture yourself in your head, that image is your body image. It’s about what you believe about the way you look.  How you feel about your body (including your height, shape and weight).

Body image is internalized from messages that encompass our thoughts at a young age, both negatively and positively.  Society and people around you can sway your opinions on your own body image.

NEDA created a list of things you can do to combat a negative body image. This list includes:

• Appreciating all that your body can do

• Keeping a top-ten list of things you like about yourself

• Reminding yourself that “true beauty” is not simply skin-deep

• Looking at yourself as a whole person

• Surrounding yourself with positive people

• Shutting down those voices in your head that tell you your body is not “right” or that you are a “bad” person

• Wearing clothes that are comfortable and that make you feel good about your body

• Becoming a critical viewer of social and media messages

• Doing something nice for yourself that lets your body know you appreciate it

• Use the time and energy that you might have spent worrying about food, calories, and your weight to do something to help others

For more information on Body Image, you can look at the NEDA website at: https://www.nationaleatingdisorders.org 

Talk therapy can help address these issues, and work on redefining yourself from the inside out.

Note: Jaclyn Yuki Schlanger, M.S., AMFT is not responsible for the content, claims or representations of the listed sites.