BODY SHAMING AND MENTAL HEALTH

January 21, 2023

BODY SHAMING AND MENTAL HEALTH

Have you recently judged your body by looking in the mirror? We often feel self-conscious about our weight, size, and body shape, even though we may not be aware of it. We frequently tell ourselves that we are either too thin or too fat, too light or dark, or too straight or too curly.

The physical, mental, and sexual development of adolescents is characterized by the transition from childhood to adulthood. These are the times when we become excessively concerned about our physical appearance, including our weight. During this time, adolescents in particular are particularly susceptible to body shaming and weight shaming. Teenagers strive to be accepted by their peers by having the right body, hair color, and other characteristics that are considered socially acceptable.

Especially among today's teenagers, appearance and attractiveness have been important considerations in a world heavily influenced by social media. What the ideal person should be is now strongly influenced by the Internet. Body shaming can occur if your appearance differs from what the media portrays as beautiful.

What exactly is body shame?

The act of mocking or humiliating someone based on their physical appearance is known as body shaming. Shaming people for their size, shape, skin color, hair color, hairiness, and general appearance are just a few examples.

Body shaming was found to be common anywhere from 25% to 35% of the time worldwide. The overall prevalence of body shaming was found to be 44.9 percent in one study. Body shaming dates back to a time when attitudes toward women had changed. Men who were taller and more muscular were preferred to those who were lean. Thin women were thought to be more attractive than heavier women. Since then, women's beauty standards have generally been unattainable and unrealistic.

Body shaming could be categorized as bullying. It includes disparaging or inappropriate remarks regarding their body size or shape. Body shaming includes not only praising overweight individuals but also those who are underweight. Body shaming can affect people of any size or shape.

Body Shaming and Mental Health

The stigma associated with one's weight and body type can have long-term effects on one's mental and physical health. Recent research has demonstrated that people with disproportionate bodies frequently experience stigma.

According to studies, body-shaming during adolescence has both short- and long-term effects on mental health. Body shaming is associated with a number of mental health issues, including low self-esteem, anxiety, and depressive symptoms.

Due to the humiliation experienced, body shaming can induce feelings of avoidance and self-isolation. Additionally, feelings of low self-esteem, self-image, and self-worth are rising. Worse yet, it may lead to feelings of isolation and self-pity, which can ultimately result in depression.

Body shaming can also encourage poor eating habits. It can occur in either direction: either refusing to eat in order to lose weight or eating too much to gain weight. People may be more likely to develop an eating disorder as a result of this.

How can we address body-shaming?

Body positivity has been the focus of several movements. Correcting and educating individuals about biases and prejudices against body shaming is encouraged by this. People's ideas and perspectives will change over time, but it's always better to start now than later. Now, the question is, how can we combat body shaming?

1. Rather than body shaming, body positivity is learning to accept one's flaws and be content with how we look and feel about ourselves. Once we have fully accepted who we are as a person, no amount of criticism can bring us down.

2. Maintain healthy relationships

A study found that keeping friends with other students at school reduces the negative effects of body shaming. Be surrounded by people who are body-positive and accept you for who you are, without imposing unrealistic standards on you. Stop body shaming and spend time with people who will help you see yourself in a positive light.

3. Educate those who are subjected to body shaming

Body shaming is unsettling and should not be tolerated. Take note of how your friends, family, and coworkers are affecting you. Confront and educate anyone caught body shaming another person. Be respectful and talk about the negative effects of body shaming.

We all want to be accepted for who we are and how we look at the end of the day. However, adolescents may be particularly susceptible to body shaming and its detrimental effects on mental health.

if you know anyone who has been the victim of body shaming, particularly adolescents. We offer Teen Therapy and Group Therapy, where you can talk to others who have been through the same thing. We can assist you in enhancing your self-image and expediting the process of acceptance and recovery.

Resource Link:
https://www.mindshiftwellnesscenter.com/the-weight-of-words-effects-of-body-shaming-on-mental-health/

Links:

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