The Dangers of Body Image in a Perfect World

For years the media has portrayed what “they” believe a woman should look like. You only need to browse the magazines at your local newsagent, switch on the television or type in a few searches on the internet and you’ll see hundreds of images of women with perfectly white teeth, silky smooth hair, immaculate nails, a flawless complexion and beautifully toned, cellulite free thighs. These flawless women grace the world with their presence where ever we go; billboards, bus stops and shopping centres. We are constantly surrounded by images of perfection, in a far from perfect world.

Body image is the term used to describe how a person thinks or feels about their appearance. Thoughts and feelings about body image can be influenced by what we think others see and what we see around us on a daily basis. If you have a poor body image of yourself, this can lead to self esteem issues. This is very common amongst young people however can occur in anyone at any age.

In more serious cases of negative body image and low self esteem, an unhealthy attitudes towards eating may be adopted. Food intake may be strictly monitored in an effort to lose weight and lead to eating disorders such as anorexia.  Over indulgence or eating more than what was “planned” can lead to feelings of extreme guilt and may bring on bulimia.               

Unfortunately, issues with body image do not end there. A few months ago, I watched an episode of Dr Phil. There was a young woman named April who agreed to meet with Dr Phil on one condition; that it was back stage. April was so ashamed and embarrassed by her looks that she would spend hours in the bathroom, hunched over in front of the mirror picking at her skin. She spent so much time hunched over; she actually developed scoliosis.

I studied April on the screen and saw a slender young woman with black shiny hair, beautiful blue eyes, long lashes and a clear complexion. I couldn’t understand why she didn’t see what I could see a stunning young lady. That’s the terrible truth about sufferers of serious body image syndromes such as Body Dismorphic Disorder. Their perception IS their reality.  

Psychiatrist Dr David Veal recently revealed that two out of three patients he treats for Body Dismorphic Disorder have an unhealthy compulsion with taking “selfies” using their phone camera. One male patient was taking “selfies” for up to ten hours a day with the aim of achieving the perfect photo. He stopped attending school, lost a significant amount of weight and didn’t leave the house for six months. He then attempted suicide. Although this was an extreme case, Dr Veal highlighted the importance to recognise that Body Dismorphic Disorder is not an issue with vanity but rather a mental health condition, with high suicide rates amongst sufferers.

In today’s society, it is almost impossible to not be exposed to images that will make men and women alike (and more disturbingly teens) feel insecure about how they look. Most, if not all, images we see in the media today are photo shopped. Nearly every celebrity has a personal trainer, stylist, dietician and nutritionist to make them look the way they do their looks are THEIR job!

The important thing we need to remember is to be realistic about what is achievable and to keep things in perspective. As role models to the next generation, that is OUR job.  After all, beauty is in the eye of the beholder.

If you become concerned about any symptoms please seek immediate medical attention we have some hotlines and suggested websites for further information and advice  https://www.stayathomemum.com.au/my-kids/babies/important-hotlines-websites/

SAHM takes no responsibility for any illness, injury or death caused by misuse of this information.  All information provided is correct at time of publication. 

Resources

http://www.drphil.com/shows/show/1938

http://www.policymic.com/articles/86287/a-psychiatric-study-reveals-selfies-are-far-more-dangerous-than-you-think

http://www.youth.gov.au/sites/Youth/bodyImage/informationsheets