Building Body Image From the Inside Out: Making Peace with Your Body

Contributor: Crystal Karges, MS, RDN, IBCLC, Special Projects Coordinator at Eating Disorder Hope/Addiction Hope

Negative body image can severely dampen an individual’s ability to thrive and succeed in life. Contrary to the many stigmas that are supposed about poor body image, someone that struggles with negative body image can struggle with a deep sense of shame, guilt, low self-esteem and more.

Negative body image can co-occur with more severe mental disorders, such as an eating disorder, severe anxiety or depression. A person who struggles with negative body image may find it difficult to complete even basic daily tasks and activities, let alone engage in meaningful relationship; participate in social functions and more.

Addressing the Struggle with Poor Body Image

The struggle with poor body image is something that should be appropriately addressed, preferably with the help and guidance of a professional, such as a counselor or therapist. More often than not, there are underlying factors that may have contributed to how a person perceives their body and the way they feel about themselves.

Some factors that relate to body image are not necessarily things that can be controlled, such as a person’s biological make-up and genetic predisposition. However, other triggers that can contribute to negative body image are things that an individual may have the opportunity to heal or learn from, such as experiences or circumstances that may have been hurtful or traumatic.

Working at It Little By Little

The truth is that body image is something that must be worked at little by little, starting from the inside out. In a fast paced society, we are often taught to stuff down our emotions, to ignore the things that hurt or upset us, to hide feelings that are genuine and sincere.

The problem with doing this is that emotions we experience often become internalized if not appropriately dealt with. This can then influence the way we feel about our bodies and ourselves. Instead of processing emotions through healthy and therapeutic ways, difficult issues can be projected on ourselves or perhaps avoided by consuming attention with body image concerns.

Addressing Underlying Conditions, Not Just Symptoms

Facing the deep, inward battles are never an easy feat. However, taking the time to address any underlying concerns, no matter how long it may take, can be instrumental to finding healing and recovering. If you have found yourself struggling with a negative body image, it is important to consider what steps might be necessary for you to heal from the inside out and truly make peace with your body.

There may be a good chance that you are not entirely sure what circumstances or issues that you may be harboring or needing to deal with. This is common after several years of learning to repress or hide emotions. You may consider working with a counselor/therapist who can effectively guide you through the healing process and recovery from negative body image.

Practicing the Appreciation of Your Body

As you learn to make peace with yourself by healing from underlying issues or hurtful circumstances from your past, you can also begin practicing practical means of appreciating your body and building a healthy body image.

This may involve setting aside regular time for self-care, doing activities that help you appreciate and love your body, participating in a support group, or regularly reviewing positive affirmations. As you care for yourself by addressing internal conflicts, you may find the freedom to appreciate your body on the outside as well.

We live in a busy world and in a culture that rarely finds self-care and self-love commendable. However, turning against this inclination and taking the time to make yourself a priority is necessary, not only for building a positive body image but for having a joyous and fruitful life. If you are struggling with negative body image and are not sure where to begin finding help and support, start by reaching out to someone you trust. Your journey towards healing can begin today!

Community Discussion – Share your thoughts here!

What resources were helpful to you or your loved one recover or heal from negative body image? How did you sustain support or encouragement from others to move forward from a struggle with poor body image?

Last Updated & Reviewed By: Jacquelyn Ekern, MS, LPC on July 7th, 2015
Published on EatingDisorderHope.com