EFFECTS OF BODY SHAMING ON MENTAL HEALTH
BODY SHAMING, WHAT IS IT?
Body shaming can occur when people absorb society's ideals of beauty, or it can be self-inflicted. A person's self-esteem, body image, and mental health conditions like anxiety, depression, eating disorders, and social isolation can all be negatively impacted by this habit.
EFFECTS OF BODY SHAMING:
- People with negative body image are more likely to suffer from negative emotions such as depression, isolation, loss of self-confidence, and obsession with weight loss.
- People with negative body image are more likely to suffer from negative emotions such as depression, isolation, loss of self-confidence, and obsession with weight loss.
- Body shaming also increases the risk of developing social anxiety, where individuals avoid situations to prevent bullying, peer pressure and further criticism.
- A 2022 research done on the damaging effects of body shaming, concludes that as people try to fit in with society's expectations, they succumb to harmful means like compulsive exercise, vomiting after meals, plastic surgeries etc.
- Body shaming can also affect intimate relationships by making them feel undeserving of love and support.
- In extreme situations, the distress brought on by body shaming potentially raises the likelihood of suicidal thoughts or actions.
BODY DYSMORPHIC DISORDER:
Body Dysmorphic Disorder (BDD), body shame, and mental health are deeply interconnected. BDD is a disorder in which a person becomes obsessed with perceived flaws in their appearance, distorting how they see themselves. This can lead to extreme body shame - feelings of deep embarrassment, disgust, or inadequacy about one's physical appearance, even when others don't see a problem with it.
Research suggests that the constant negative self-evaluation associated with BDD can worsen mental health, leading to anxiety, panic, depression, and low self-esteem. These feelings of toxic shame about one's body can exacerbate the disorder and create a vicious cycle of self-criticism and isolation. Constantly focusing on flaws can prevent one from fully engaging in social or professional situations, leading to further stress.
DEALING WITH BODY SHAMING; THERAPIST VIEW:
I suggest beginning with self-compassion to address body shaming and its detrimental impacts. Try being as understanding and friendly to yourself as you would to a loved one.
- Use Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) approaches to confront negative beliefs, challenge the truth of harmful remarks, and swap them out for more realistic, healthy viewpoints. A 2022 study emphasizes the importance of therapy in people who are excessively concerned about an imagined or minimally present defect in one's appearance.
- Practice mindfulness as a means to deal with anxiety, and seek support from people who genuinely care about you.
- Emphasize self-care practices that enhance general well-being, such as hobbies, exercise, and a good diet for a healthy mind.
- Finally, think about consulting a trained mental health professional for continued assistance in developing resilience and self-worth.
A WORD FROM MENTAL NURTURING:
Body dysmorphia and body shame are linked to societal beauty standards, media representations of the "ideal" body, and external judgment. Psychological trauma brought on by body shaming can occasionally show up as flashbacks, an increased sensitivity to criticism, and enduring feelings of insecurity. It upholds damaging assumptions and unattainable beauty standards that encourage body dissatisfaction.
Frequent exposure to body shaming can lead to body dysmorphia (BDD), a condition in which people obsess about their perceived imperfections to the point where it interferes with day-to-day functioning. Over time, these effects can diminish overall quality of life, strain relationships, and contribute to feelings of worthlessness. People who experience body shaming may experience anxiety, despair, and hopelessness as a result of their social isolation and dread of being judged. Their social anxiety may cause them to avoid social situations for fear of being criticized, which can exacerbate feelings of isolation and alienation.
Furthermore, it promotes unhealthy comparisons and an emphasis on physical attractiveness over mental wellbeing by reinforcing unrealistic cultural beauty standards. Addressing these issues through therapy, self-compassion, and a supportive environment makes it easier to open up about your mental health and take steps towards wellbeing.
RESOURCES:
1- Gilbert, P., & Miles, J. (2014). Body shame. Body Shame: Conceptualisation, Research and Treatment. Ed. Paul Gilbert and Jeremy Miles. New York: Brunner-Routledge, 2(2).
Candidate, N. Y. P., Hosseini, S. V., MD, Amini, M., MD, Sobhani, Z., PhD, Sharif, F., PhD, & Khazraei, H., PhD. (2018, April 1). Relationship between Body Image and Psychological Well-being in Patients with Morbid Obesity
https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC5845121/#:~:text=People%20with%20negative%20body%20image,confidence%2C%20obsession%20with%20weight%20loss.&text=Obesity%20is%20also%20a%20risk%20factor%20for%20anxiety%20disorders.
2- Chomet, N. (2017). Coping with Body Shaming. The Rosen Publishing Group, Inc.
3- Ahmadpanah M, Arji M, Arji J, Haghighi M, Jahangard L, Sadeghi Bahmani D, Brand S. Sociocultural Attitudes towards Appearance, Self-Esteem and Symptoms of Body-Dysmorphic Disorders among Young Adults. Int J Environ Res Public Health. 2019 Oct 31;16(21):4236. doi: 10.3390/ijerph16214236. PMID: 31683731; PMCID: PMC6862198.
Written by:
Rumsha Abdul Aziz, MS Psychology,
On Feburary 17, 2025
