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Body Image Explained: What You Need to Know

Body Image Explained: What You Need to Know

If you’ve ever felt uncomfortable in your skin, dissatisfied with your appearance, and experienced negative self talk about your body, you are not alone. In this post we will explore body image, the link between body image and eating disorders, and how to access supports and therapy services in Calgary, Alberta.

What is Body Image?

Body image refers to how you perceive, think, and feel about your body. It’s shaped by personal experiences, societal standards, and the messages we receive from family, friends, and media. A negative body image involves constant self-criticism and self-judgment, comparison to others, and dissatisfaction with your appearance. Poor body image can be a contributing factor to experiencing anxiety, depression, and disordered patterns of eating.

Signs of an Unhealthy Relationship with Body Image

It’s important to recognize when body image concerns are becoming harmful. Here are some signs that your body image may be negatively impacting your well-being:

  • Constantly checking your appearance in mirrors or avoiding mirrors altogether
  • Obsessing over weight, calories, or food intake
  • Feeling guilt or shame after eating
  • Avoiding social situations due to anxiety about your appearance
  • Engaging in excessive exercise to “compensate” for eating

If these thoughts and behaviours are interfering with your daily life, it may be time to seek support from a mental health professional.

Body Image and Eating Disorders

Body image struggles can play a major role in the development of eating disorders. Comparisons on social media and unrealistic beauty standards can create constant pressure to look a certain way, leading to disordered eating habits and self-judgement.

Eating disorders thrive in an environment of body dissatisfaction, but healing is possible, and you can rebuild a healthier relationship with your body and food—one that isn’t defined by numbers on a scale or societal expectations.

4 Practical Tips to Improve Body Image

1. Curate Your Social Media Experience

  • Unfollow accounts that make you feel less than
  • Follow accounts that promote self-acceptance and diversity
  • Follow accounts that are not food or body focused
  • Take breaks from social media to focus on real-life experiences.

2. Practice Gratitude and Explore Your Values

The more you focus on the other things that matter to you, or notice the things in your life you are grateful for, the less time you will have to critique your body. Shift your focus from your appearance to the things you enjoy participating in that have nothing to do with your body.

3. Find a Therapist or Support Groups

Therapy can be incredibly beneficial for improving body image and addressing underlying concerns such as anxiety, trauma, or disordered eating. Someone that specializes in body image and/or eating disorders can help to build a stronger more compassionate relationship with yourself.

4. Nourish Your Body Without Judgment

Consider exploring and learning about Intuitive Eating. Through Intuitive Eating you can learn how to listen to and trust your body and enjoy food without guilt and shame. A Dietician that is weight-inclusive/weight-neutral, is specialized in body image and eating disorders and is trained in intuitive eating can be helpful if you choose to explore this path.

Finding Support for Body Image and Eating Disorders in Calgary, Alberta

If body image concerns are affecting your mental health, reaching out for support is a crucial step toward healing. Listed below are a few resources available to those living in Calgary, Alberta.

Body Image & Eating Disorder Support Resources:

If you’re struggling, know that you don’t have to face this alone. Support groups, peer mentorship and individual therapy can provide the tools and support needed to improve your relationship with your body and build self-acceptance.

We Specialize in Body Image and Eating Disorders

If you are looking for a psychologist in Alberta, we work with body image concerns and eating disorders in-person in Calgary, and virtually throughout Alberta. Connect with us through our CONTACT PAGE to find out how we can help.

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