THE BODY IMAGE WE HAVE OF OURSELVES

The body image is something very complex, affects your relationship with others and consequently your quality of life.

The World Health Organization (WHO) conducted a study in which it divided them into four main categories: physical quality of life, psychological quality of life, social quality of life and environmental quality of life.

This study revealed that body image directly affects each of these factors. This means that people who have a negative body image had a poorer quality of life.

HOW WE ARE AND HOW WE SEE OURSELVES

It is important to note that how we are and how we see ourselves do not have to coincide. In fact, we can have an undervalued or overvalued body image of ourselves. What is evident is that the concept we have of ourselves directly affects our self-esteem.

Beyond our body image, what is truly relevant is our own perception. Most people who have a negative self-image actually show a very unrealistic view. This distorted body image of reality, which in many cases becomes a real problem, is known as body dysmorphic disorder.

HOW THE BODY IMAGE IS FORMED

It is important to note that body image does not develop in isolation. Factors such as family, culture and environment transmit positive and negative messages about our bodies that can negatively influence our own perception.

People with an undervalued body image tend to compare themselves with others and with the beauty standards set by society. When your image does not match these standards it becomes a problem, feeling bad and making you more susceptible to developing a negative body image.

Let’s not forget that negative thoughts and feelings, will affect the way your are interacting with others and consequently, your sexuality and your quality life.

ACCEPT YOUR BODY AND LOVE IT

It is important that we understand that the strict canons set by the fashion and beauty industry do not reflect the population. This is the only reason why most people don’t fit in. However, not everyone is able to understand and accept their body image and it is in these cases that their physical and mental well-being are seriously affected.

Therefore, having a positive body image does not mean thinking that our entire body is perfect but accepting it as it is. It is crucial to have a perception adjusted to reality of their physical and physical appearance. A realistic body image perception makes you feel safe and comfortable with yourself and are happy with the way you look. It is important to understand that our appearance is not our personality and that it has nothing to do with ability or character.

The key is to accept your body and love it, beyond the constitution, weight or personal characteristics. It is important to see our body as a precious piece of engineering that must be pampered and cared for.

Therefore, we must love and pamper ourselves through healthy eating, physical activity or disciplines such as yoga or mindfulness. Accepting your body image will help you enjoy a healthy and balanced self-esteem. Physical and mental well-being will improve all aspects of our quality of life in general and that of our sexuality, in particular.

BODY DYSMORPHIC DISORDER

When a person is not capable of having a realistic body image will focus obsessively on his defects. In this case we can say that the person suffers from body dysmorphic disorder. It is a mental health disorder that makes the person feel ashamed, intimidated and anxious that they may even avoid social situations.

Body dysmorphic disorder causes you to focus intensely on your body image, constantly look in the mirror, and try to cover it up in any way. The perceived defect and repetitive behaviours lead the person to significant anguish that affects their daily life.

Cosmetic treatments are used to try to fix the perceived defect. Often times, the anxiety disappears momentarily but usually reappears with more intensity that leads them to undergo invasive treatments and surgeries, over and over again.

DO YOU SUFFER FROM DYSMORPHIC DISORDER?

• Being overly worried about a body imperfection that others do not see as such
• Constantly compare yourself with others
• Have perfectionist tendencies
• Assertively seek approval from others
• Firmly believe that your flaw makes you ugly or misshapen
• Believe that others perceive your defect and make fun of you
• Trying to hide perceived flaws with style, makeup, or clothing
• Undergoing beauty treatments with little satisfaction
• Avoid social situations

Excessive preoccupation with appearance along with negative thoughts and repetitive behaviours cause great distress and problems in the functioning of daily life.

CONSEQUENCES OF HAVING A DISTORTED BODY IMAGE

• Deep depression and other mood disorders
• Suicidal thoughts or behaviour
• Eating disorders
• Anxiety disorders, including social anxiety disorder
• Obsessive compulsive disorder
• Substance abuse
• Self mutilation
• Physical pain or risk of disfigurement due to repeated surgical procedures

Although, today, it is not known exactly how to avoid body dysmorphic disorder, it is known that it usually begins in adolescence. Therefore, it is important to be vigilant in order to identify and prevent the disorder before it is too late. Caring for and pampering our body and having a good body image are essential to live a full quality life.