In the realm of human experience, body image and mental health intricately lace together, painting a portrait of holistic well-being. Esteemed psychologists delineate the profound impacts of body image on mental health, unraveling a tapestry of complexities that beckon exploration. Through the lens of psychology, let’s venture into an elaborate discourse on how the perception of one’s physical form imprints on the mental scape, etching impressions both benign and malign.
What Is Body Image?
Psychologist Ishita Kotiya said, “Body image, as articulated by psychologists, encapsulates an individual’s attitudes, perceptions, and beliefs about their physical appearance and functionality. It’s the mirror reflecting the self, albeit sometimes distorting reality under the influence of societal expectations and internal critiques. A positive body image plant seeds of self-acceptance and esteem, blossoming into a garden of mental serenity. Conversely, a negative body image can plough furrows of discontent, insecurity, and a menagerie of mental health maladies.”
“Mental health, a state where individuals cognise their abilities, cope with life’s normal stresses, work productively, and contributes to the community, emerging as the bedrock of a fulfilling life. The dyad of body image and mental health, each casting shadows and rays of light upon the other, signifies a critical nexus in the exploration of human well-being,” she added.
The Toll On Mental Health:
The way an individual views themself can have a particular effect on their state of mind and overall well-being. Damini Grover who is an Author and founder of I’m Powered – Center for Counseling & Well-being, Delhi said, “Most people view their bodies negatively and experience an enormous sense of dissatisfaction when it comes to their appearance. Such a negative outlook often leads individuals to experience low self- esteem, low self- confidence, difficulty interacting and socialising with others as they fear being negatively judged for their face or body. It gives rise to tendencies such as seeking perfection and avoidance behaviours.”
There are different influences that come to shape this body image that a person possesses. Some of these, mentioned by Dr Kamna Chhibber, who is a Clinical Psychologist at Fortis Healthcare, include the following:
- Comparisons with others – Often individuals look towards those around them feeling that they too would want to be or should be like them. Having a different body can make them self-conscious and it can prompt them to actively take steps to be more like others who they feel are better off or better than them in general.
- What media propagates – Many people derive an understanding of what is good or not good about their bodies based on what they see on media. They come to believe that what media propagates is how they should be and strive to achieve those forms which they are exposed to.
- How role models are – People tend to strive towards being more like their role models or those they look up to. Based on how they perceive their role models to be, they can often find themselves pushing to be like them.
- Perception of what is better – Individuals tend to draw ideas and notions about what is or can be perceived as better based on how they see people responding. A negative response toward them can make them feel like they need to change. They may experience a strong desire to be more conforming towards what is societally considered to be the better way of being.
- Being rewarded for a certain body type – Many people can experience being praised or looked up to or even being actively rewarded for possessing a certain body type. Even if they themselves have not been rewarded they may have seen others being rewarded for the same. This can prompt them to also want to possess a similar body type.
A Psychological Expedition:
Dr Evelyn Raghel Thomas, who is a Clinical Director – Employee Assistance Program, at Truworth Wellness said, “Mental health conditions such as body dysmorphic disorder and body dissatisfaction emerge underlining the serious toll on one’s mental state. Particularly in India, where traditional and modern beauty standards merge, these pressures can be profound. As studies have shown, a negative body image can lead to conditions like low self – worth, depression, anxiety and even eating disorders.”
Additionally, Ishita Kotiya further said the following:
- Depression and Anxiety: The murky waters of negative body image can be infested with persistent feelings of sadness, worry, and self-doubt. The discontent that blossoms from the seeds of body dissatisfaction often precipitates depressive symptoms, culminating in a vicious cyclone that whirls one deeper into the abyss of body image woes and escalating depression.
- Eating Disorders: The quest for the ‘ideal body’, a mirage often propelled by societal narratives, can metamorphose into a hazardous journey towards disordered eating behaviors. Conditions such as anorexia nervosa, bulimia nervosa, and binge-eating disorder exemplify the sinister culmination of body dissatisfaction.
- Social Withdrawal: The dread of judgment or ridicule based on one’s appearance can tether one to the chains of social isolation. This retreat from social interaction further exacerbates mental health issues, forging a deleterious feedback loop of declining mental health and worsening body image.
Coping Strategies:
It’s crucial to recognize the interconnectedness of body image, illness, and mental health and take proactive steps to support individuals facing these challenges. Here are some strategies to promote positive mental well-being as suggested by Himalayan Siddhaa Akshar, who is the Founder of Akshar Yoga Kendraa:
- Open Communication: Encourage individuals to discuss their feelings and concerns openly with friends, family, or mental health professionals.
- Seeking Support: Encourage seeking professional help when necessary, such as therapy or counseling, to address body image issues and mental health concerns.
- Self-Compassion: Promote self-compassion and self-acceptance, emphasizing that one’s worth is not solely determined by physical appearance.
- Education: Provide education and awareness about the realities of illness and challenge harmful stereotypes and stigmas.
- Holistic Approach: Encourage a holistic approach to health that considers both physical and mental well-being.
Talking about a personal experience, Prableen Kaur Bhomrah, who is a Skin Positivity Influencer said, “I do believe body image can significantly affect one’s mental health, in the case of PCOS, it adds an extra layer of complexity. I, myself, have experienced a range of mental health issues because of this perpetuated body image on me ranging from depression, anxiety and even eating disorder. It’s a day to day battle- some days my body image does not bother me at all while some days are bad. I’m grateful to have people in my life that do no perceive me based on my body, but everyone does not have a community like that. Supportive environments and understanding from friends, family and professionals play a crucial role. In essence, body image issues are not just skin – deep, they pierce every aspect of a person’s life.”