Body image and self-confidence is something that many people throughout the world struggle with on a daily basis. It can be easy to get caught up in your own self-perception and begin to forget the things that really matter. Often, obsessing over the way you look or what other people think can lead to disorganized and disordered thinking as well as elevated levels of stress. Here are four signs that you may have an unhealthy body image:
Constantly dwelling on your appearance and the flaws you have can be a sign of an underlying issue. If your negative thoughts about your appearance affect your ability to lead a productive life, this can be indicative of an unhealthy body image.
Another sign of an unhealthy body image is becoming socially withdrawn. You may begin losing interest in activities you once enjoyed and canceling plans you've made. You may also feel the need to mask your flaws in order to avoid being judged.
If have begun to exercise obsessively, over-groom yourself, or under eat, these are signs that your body image is beginning to take control of you. Many people who feel they aren't good enough will work tirelessly to correct their flaws and change the way they see themselves.
Eating disorders are another sign of serious body image problems. People may begin restricting their calories too much, which can lead to anorexia, or they may purge after eating, which is known as bulimia. There are other various eating disorders to watch for and all of them are typically caused by having a negative perception of your appearance.
Overall, a negative body image can be a challenging obstacle to overcome. Instead of dwelling and focusing your mind on negative things regarding your self-image, it can be helpful to begin engaging in positive and engaging activities. Some things you may want to consider include photography, learning an instrument, painting, sculpting, singing, writing, and collecting things. Facing your challenges alone can sometimes make them more difficult to overcome. Therefore, it can often be helpful to reach out to your family and friends for support. Finding people who will empathize with you and help you through the process of overcoming your negative perception of yourself can help you to heal more quickly and effectively. If you have a hard time finding people who understand you, you can always try to find a support group, research treatment options for eating disorders, or meet new friends who can empathize with your situation.
Lizzie Weakley is a freelance writer from Columbus, Ohio. In her free time, she enjoys the outdoors and walks in the park with her three-year-old husky, Snowball.