When we refer or talk about body image, there are lots of ways we can think about our body and the way we look. It is one’s body related self-perceptions and self-attitudes, including thoughts, beliefs, feelings and behavior.

The four aspects of body image:

• The way you see yourself (Perceptual)
• The way you feel about the way you look (Affective)
• The thoughts and beliefs you feel about your body (Cognitive)
• The things you do in relation to the way you look (Behavioral)

Social Media and its affect on body image of teenagers and adults

• Social media can negatively affect body image  by over-exposing one to "idealized" body types. While clicking and posting selfies may help body image, trying to edit out perceived flaws can be harmful.
• For most teenagers-Worries about body image can lead to mental health problems and, in some instances, are linked to self-harm and suicidal thoughts and feelings.
• Multiple studies show that there is a strong link between heavy social media and an increased risk for depression, anxiety, loneliness, self-harm and even suicidal thoughts.

Signs of Body Image

• Disturbance, Preoccupation with Bodily Appearance.
• Strange Eating Behaviors, Disordered Eating and Eating Disorders in Physically Active Adolescents.
• Drastic Changes in Appearance and Personality - Depression and anxiety.

Mindscape counselling sessions help:

• Feel Safe: You might worry that you you might be judged  when you share your problems and you may feel naïve about this. Our therapist would never judge you. Instead, they provide you with a welcoming environment, make you feel free to open up and wouldn’t scold you or blame you for how you are.
• To acknowledge your feelings: Instead of shutting down self-criticism, we try to help you understand  if any event prompted these feelings or who you are comparing yourself to.
• To not put yourself down: Insulting yourself simply normalizes the act of hating one’s body. Instead, we can help to talk about how to cope with your own insecurities.
• To put things into perspective: Help one understand that beauty is subjective.
• Teach you to face your insecurities about body image or any other mental health issue: By breaking down your problems into small parts and solved one by one.
• To Challenge your negative thoughts: Clearing negative thoughts out of your mind takes time. Our therapist makes sure you get better day-by-day by challenging your negative thoughts and getting into positivity.
• To Change your behavior: Therapy increases your level of knowledge and awareness of the issue so that you make the right decisions on how to “deal with it”.

Adolescence is a critical period for body image development because of the various social, cultural, physical and psychological changes occurring between the ages of 12 years and 18 years of age.

If your loved one has altered their eating patterns, compulsively checks their appearance or just feels a lot of stress about their looks, therapy will benefit them.

• A positive or healthy body image is feeling happy and satisfied with your body, as well as being comfortable with and accepting the way you look.
• Individuals with greater positive body image have less depression, higher self-esteem.

Knowing the problem is essential, but what causes it is more important. If you don’t know the reason, behind your body image, the feeling can be very challenging.