Body image

How you see and feel about yourself and how you think others see you is known as 'body image'.

How is body image formed?

As you get older and become more aware of your appearance, body image usually becomes important. Establishing an identity can feel like a struggle, most people get through this OK but for others it may lead to unhappiness and distress.

One of the things that can cause stress is the normal tendency to compare yourself with other people. This is linked to both wanting to fit in and feeling accepted by peers—also a part of establishing identity.

Clothes and image play a role in individual expression, which is usually about being unique or belonging to a certain group or culture. Added to this is the fact that our culture tends to judge people based on their looks—the media is a big influencer on this, and it can put pressure on people of all ages.

What influences body image?

The media

We’re constantly exposed to imagery from popular media such as movies, TV, web and magazines. This can lead people to form ideas about a certain kind of 'ideal look' they see as normal and desirable. Comparing yourself with these images may leave you feeling disappointed or inadequate.

Most media images have been altered through lighting effects, camera techniques and computer software. This produces flawless faces and bodies that are unrealistic.

Other people

Your friends, peers and parents can give messages about how you look. This can be positive or negative depending on how they feel about themselves or how they relate to you.

While people usually mean well, sometimes even the smallest comment about how you look can feel hurtful. If you are already not feeling great about yourself, it can add to long-term emotional effects.

Self-esteem

Body image is closely related to self-esteem. Feeling self-conscious and being aware of your body is normal and can vary from day to day. A negative body image is when someone is consistently unhappy with their appearance. Feeling like this can affect your self-esteem and sense of well-being.

Eating disorders

Sometimes young people can develop eating disorders such as anorexia nervosa or bulimia nervosa, as they try to alter their shape. Signs of these more serious concerns can include:

• a persistent negative or unrealistic body image
• shifts in mood
• withdrawal from others
• over or under eating, or
• extreme exercise regimes.

Reach Out has more information on eating disorders and where to find help.

Things you can do to feel better

• Learn about advertising and the media—how images are produced and their purpose.
• Understand you are much more than how you look, so pay attention to other things in your life.
• Appreciate qualities other than appearance in yourself and others.
• Avoid 'appearance conversations' and judging people on how they look.
• Inform yourself about health, nutrition and lifestyle.
• Spend time with others who are positive and help you feel good.
• Spend time doing activities and interests that make you feel good.
• Learn to appreciate and respect your body and what it can do.

Getting help

If you need to speak with someone you can talk to your parents, a school counsellor or phone Kids Helpline on 1800 55 1800, 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, or use their web counselling or email counselling services.