Shame, Shame, Stop Body Sham(ing)!

“Be proud of who you are and not ashamed of how someone else sees you.” -Unknown

Body shaming as defined by National Association of Anorexia Nervosa and Associated Disorders is “known as the action or practice of expressing humiliation about another individual's body shape or size; a form of bullying that can result in severe emotional trauma, especially at a young age." Body shaming is done by family members, friends, random people and is even in the media.

We all have our own insecurities. What can make our personal insecurities worse, is when other people take advantage of them. When an individual highlights our weaknesses, especially in a public setting, it can become a person’s greatest fear as it brings out one or all of the following emotions:

· Embarrassment

· Anxiety

· Sadness

· Anger

· Fear

· Low self-worth

· Low self-image

· Low self-esteem

How does Body shaming manifest?

Body shaming manifests in ways one is not even aware of.

• Criticizing one's own physical appearance or that of others.

• Criticizing anyone's physical appearance in front of them

• Criticizing anyone's physical appearance without their knowledge.

Why does Body shaming occur?

The very first reason is the society we live in and having to conform to its set notions. Someone is too fat or thin, straight or curvy, but nobody is perfect. While people try to accept themselves as they are, pressure from social media and peers makes everyone want to look a certain way. It’s not just social media. Negative comments and provoking images can also cause people, usually teenagers and young adults, to follow unhealthy habits to achieve their desired look. These undesirable habits can include starving themselves, binge eating or even full-fledged eating disorders which can lead to self-harm, depression, anxiety, low self-esteem, trauma and many other issues.

Mental health disorders related to body image:

· Body Dysmorphic Disorder:

Body Dysmorphic Disorder is a mental health disorder in which one can't quit considering or seeing deformities or blemishes in their appearance that can be minor or can't be seen by others. However, one may feel so humiliated, embarrassed and on edge that they may avoid numerous social circumstances. At the point when one has Body Dysmorphic Disorder, they seriously centre on their appearance and body, checking the mirror constantly, preparing or looking for consolation, some of the time for a long time every day. Their apparent imperfection and these practices cause them critical misery and affect their their everyday lives

· Social anxiety:

o When you are publicly bullied, the natural response is to avoid putting yourself in those situations

o This can culminate in isolating oneself and avoiding social interaction

· Depression:

o Increase in feelings of low self-image, self-worth, and self-esteem

o Feeling lonely and sorry for oneself can develop into a state of depression

· Eating disorders:

o The onset of unhealthy eating habits due to feelings of loss of control and low self-esteem

- Anorexia: The act of refusing to eat

- Bulimia: The act of bingeing and purging

o People suffering from an eating disorder may believe controlling their food intake will change their appearance and make the body shaming stop

How to overcome Body Shaming?

To overcome body shaming, one can connect with people who promote body positivity. These people can help build up acceptance about one’s body image. Self-love and self-acceptance are also very important. For a person to be positive about their body image, accepting themselves is important.

Everyone should have their own notion and idea of their ideal body image, that suits them well. A positive body does not only mean a desirable figure but also to be healthy. Eating healthy food, keeping hydrated and exercising will also lead to one having a healthy and positive body. Lastly, one should not compare themselves with others. Everyone is unique, be it their physical appearance or as a person! Body positivity is accepting the body that you have and the changes it will go through as time passes. Every part of you is beautiful and every part should be appreciated. Take care of yourself the way you wish to because at the end, you are you and you deserve everything, you are as important as any other person!