Body image and self-esteem.

Have you struggled with accepting your appearance or identity?

Body image can be defined as a person's own perception of their body and body’s worth or attractiveness compared to standards set by society.

Self-esteem involves your perception of your own worth and abilities.

Both of these concepts can be shaped by the messages we receive from our external environments. This can include family and friends in our social networks, and can also include societal and cultural pressures and norms.

A big question for exploration is how these outside pressures have been internalized to shape how we see and relate to ourselves? How have these influences shaped our views and opinions on success, achievement, beauty, worth, and more?

What can contribute to negative body image?

  • We live in a fat phobic culture and learn that having fat is “bad” (among many other negative labels).

  • There are many assumptions and stigma based on weight and size that can influence how we perceive and judge our bodies.

  • There is often a fear of rejection, bullying, or being an outsider which can lead us to rejecting our bodies or in developing a negative sense of self.

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Facts:

  • Fat is not bad or make you less of a person.

  • Weight does not define health or worth.

  • Weight is not the sole factor that contributes to a persons’ well-being. It is determined by a combination of factors, inclusive of your behaviors, self-care, and your mental health.

  • A person’s worth cannot be determined by how they look.

  • Each person’s body is unique with different needs.

  • Research shows that more self love and acceptance of your body leads to more motivation for self-care, more self-esteem, and less discrimination and stigma in society.

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What can contribute to low self-esteem?

  • Unrealistic expectations of self

  • Disapproving authority figures

  • Conflict between family or friends

  • Bullying

  • Abusive relationships

  • Academic or learning challenges

  • Difficulties at work

  • Trauma

  • Feeling in conflict with expectations from your belief system/religion

Below is a self-esteem quiz you can take for a quick assessment:

(the higher the number, the higher the self-esteem you have)

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Allow me to help you in explore all this further to find your truth and alleviate any stress related to these concerns.