Body Image and Self-Esteem

Body image is the term used to describe the way that we see ourselves.  It’s how we think and feel about our appearance, and the relationship we have with our bodies. Most people from time to time feel unsure, or lack confidence in their image and appearance, such as having thoughts about wanting to be a bit taller, or worrying about what our hair or skin might look like. For a lot of people, they worry about the size and shape of their body.  Boys and girls can worry about their body image and appearance, and these worries can have a really big impact on daily life.

What it might look like feel like if someone is struggling with poor body image:

• Talking about body dissatisfaction/ worrying about appearance
• Comparing themselves to other people
• Spending excessive time getting ready; making them late for, or missing commitments
• Preoccupation with weight and shape; weighing self regularly
• Body checking behaviour, eg, pinching self and checking reflection in the mirror regularly
• Wanting to, or trying to diet by ‘eating healthily’ or following food movements such as the ‘clean eating’, ‘raw food’ or wanting to become vegetarian or vegan without clear reason
• Increase in activity/exercise with a purpose of changing their size and shape
• Engaging in weight altering/ compensatory behaviour such as taking laxatives or diuretics, self-induced vomiting, use of weight loss/gain aids, use of steroids
• Feeling anxious about being seen in front of others and eating in public/in front of others
• May struggle to identify positive qualities or characteristics in themselves
• May struggle to make friends or struggle at school
• May refuse or find excuses to engage in PE lessons

Things that might help someone who experiences poor body image:

• Remind your young person that they are more than the way they look
• Notice, comment, encourage: individuality, personality, characteristics, morals, values, ethics, behaviour, skills, effort, passion, goals, ambition, friendships, hobbies, and interests
• Keep your young person focused on how they feel, not how they look
• Remember: your words have power; be aware of throwaway comments
• Role model being kind to yourself
• Lead by example; no diet/body shaming chat/ take a non-judgemental stance towards others
• Set and work towards your own self-care goals
• Practice safe-social; Limit their use of social media; Encourage them to think carefully about what they share online especially on social networks; review their internet usage
• Encourage acceptance, kindness and compassion towards others and themselves
• Watch a parent/carer workshop on how to boost body image and self-esteem (below)
• Watch a parent/carer workshop on coping and resilience skills (below)
• Watch a parent/carer workshop on how to support anxiety (below)
• Watch a parent/ carer workshop on Getting good sleep (below)
• Watch a video on Teenage Turmoil (understanding why being a teenager is so difficult) (below)
• There is more information on the Dove Self-Esteem Project website for parents and carers here
• Use coping techniques and strategies (see videos below)
• Share concerns with your child’s school/college and identify whether additional pastoral support is available
• Seek advice, guidance and support from Young Minds Parent Helpline: 08088025544