Bodyshaming - its adverse effects on Mental Health
As human beings, we all are different, physically as well as mentally. The judgements we face for the way we look by other people, making utterly disgusting comments about our body is called body shaming. Being made fun of at a party , being bullied by classmates, being called too fat, too thin, too fair, not so fair, too delicate, so masculine, not masculine, we all have been there. All of us have our dearest friends, relatives or someone who constantly remind us that we are tanned, our skin is getting worse and developing a lot of acne. We all get that unnecessary attention whenever we lose weight, gain weight or even develop a pimple. Our appearance is very much the centre of our world these days.
This culture of body shaming is very much integral in our community. Very often we are body shamed for our color, weight and appearance. I really feel that we all are pretty much aware of what happens to us in our households, office, schools pretty much everywhere. We all are obsessed with the thought of the perfect body and perfect shape. Comments made by our parents, teachers and friends will always stay in our subconscious mind and even a small remark or statement made by anyone after a certain point will start triggering us. We will go from feeling hurt to absolutely hating our body. From eating all those extra brownies to not eating anything at all. From being insecure about yourself to constantly hating yourself. From self doubt to anxiety, we experience a wide range of emotions to their extremes which is not good for our mental health.
What happens to your mental health when you are body shamed?
1. You will start hiding from people and withdraw from others and start feeling isolated and alone.
2. It will heighten your insecurities, lead to negative self talk, worsen the existing anxiety and depression or may even cause them.
3. It will lead to several eating disorders.
4. Body Dysmorphic Disorder (BDD)
A mental illness involving obsessive focus on a perceived flaw in appearance.
5. Excessive exercising which your body cannot tolerate.
How can we all deal with body shaming?
1. Self love, Self love and lots of Self love this will save you.
2. Talk to someone about your feelings if you get mentally disturbed and seek help if you feel you need someone to help you out to deal with your emotions.
3. Whenever you find yourself engaging in negative self talk, STOP!
4. Make peace with the fact that THE PERFECT BODY does not exist.
5. Spend time with yourself and start enjoying your own company.
6. Engage in self growth activities like dance, yoga, karate, Zumba which are healthier ways of keeping your body fit.
7. Take care of yourself in every way possible.
It's important that we dont make negative comments on anybody's appearance. Our bodies are perfectly imperfect, so are we and that's what makes all of us so beautiful.
~Anjali
