Trauma Associated with Body Image
What a lot of people don't realize is that struggling with negative body image can be traumatic. Constantly hating, mistrusting, and feeling unsafe in your body is a lot of weight to carry. Trauma associated with body image can have a significant impact on an individual's mental and emotional well-being. This type of trauma can arise from experiences such as bullying, negative comments from others, or pressure to conform to societal beauty standards. It can lead to feelings of shame, anxiety, and depression, and may even contribute to the development of eating disorders.
Criticizing, wishing, hating, pinching, hiding, covering are words that I hear far too often when working with clients who are struggling with their body image. Constantly criticizing your body can have traumatic effects and it can severely damage the relationship that you have with your body.
Why is there trauma associated with body image?
You may experience trauma associated with body image due to societal pressure to conform to certain beauty standards and ideals. This pressure can lead to negative body image, which can in turn cause anxiety, depression, and other mental health issues. Additionally, experiences such as bullying, discrimination, or abuse related to your appearance can also contribute to body image trauma. It's important to recognize the impact that societal expectations and experiences can have on your relationship with your body, and to work towards promoting body positivity and acceptance. The therapists at Mind and Strength are trauma-informed providers who understand how these broken systems have negatively impacted your confidence and body image. We are here to help you understand, advocate, and heal from the trauma you've experienced in these societal systems and pressures.
Weight stigma plays a major role in contributing to negative body image and the trauma that is associated with it. Weight stigma is a form of discrimination that targets individuals based on their body weight or size. Have you ever been told by a doctor that losing weight will solve your medical problems? Have you ever been scared of gaining weight because you've been told it causes medical problems? Then you have experienced weight stigma or discrimination. I have heard countless experiences from clients and friends who have been denied medical care, such as hip and knee surgeries, because of their weight. You may have personally avoided medical care at all costs because of discrimination. In fact, 40% of US adults report having experienced weight stigma. In order to combat weight stigma, it is important to challenge harmful stereotypes and promote body diversity.
Here are 5 tips for coping with trauma associated with body image:
Seek professional help: Trauma associated with body image can be difficult to cope with alone. Consider seeking professional help from a therapist who specializes in body image issues.
Practice self-care: Take care of yourself physically and emotionally by engaging in activities that make you feel good. This could include exercise, meditation, spending time with loved ones, or engaging in a hobby you enjoy.
Challenge negative thoughts: Negative thoughts about your body can be overwhelming. Try to challenge these thoughts by focusing on positive aspects of your body and reminding yourself that your worth is not solely determined by your appearance.
Surround yourself with support: Surround yourself with people who support and uplift you. This could include family, friends, or a support group for individuals who have experienced trauma related to body image.
Be patient with yourself: Healing from trauma takes time and there may be setbacks along the way. Be patient with yourself and celebrate small victories as you work towards healing and self-acceptance.
Right now it may seem impossible to heal, but trust me it is possible. Many of my clients are living proof that it is possible. At Mind and Strength we can help you to come to feel safe in your body.
The therapists at Mind & Strength Counseling of Utah are here to help you find your true holistic approach to mental health and exercise. Check us out and make an appointment today!
