It can be common for teens to want to look a certain way and to be accepted by their peers. Adolescent girls may find themselves hype focusing on their appearance, particularly their weight. Conversely, teenage boys may work hard to look “manly”, working out or being involved in sports in an effort to fit in. Unfortunately, gaining the visual appeal of their “idols” can be an unrealistic goal for most. While the media may be working to improve this with the body positivity movement, it has a very long way to go.

Wanting to change certain things about yourself, including your appearance, may not always be troublesome. One’s teenage years are often about growth and exploration. Though this desire to change may be problematic when it becomes an obsession. It is no longer healthy if your teenager constantly feels discontent or disappointed in themselves as this will likely take a toll on their self-esteem.

It is important for teens to accept themselves because it is a big factor in developing a healthy body-image and self-esteem. Since this is the period full of change, staying fit – physically and emotionally – can be challenging. Disregarding the signs of poor body-image can have serious repercussions. While seeing your teen struggling with their self-image can be hard, there is hope. With professional help, your teen can work toward developing positive self-worth and a healthy view of self.

What is Body Image?

You may find yourself asking; what is body image? “Body image refers to how an individual sees their own body, and especially how attractive they feel themselves to be,” says Medical News Today. This is how most teenagers see and perceive their bodies. This also encompasses their beliefs about physical attributes and their self-esteem. Insecurities and uneasiness are usually the results of believing that they are unappealing, possibly related to rejection. On the bright side, body image is not permanent, it can improve with purposeful effort.

Body image is influenced by numerous factors, such as peer pressure, trends in fashion, cultural influences, home or family environment, and, of course, social media. Social media has a great impact on teenagers as it is used not only to connect, but also to compare themselves to others. Though it can offer other benefits, social media can similarly breed feelings of inadequacy and disappointment.

Eventually, most individuals will understand that “beauty is only skin deep.” As they mature, they will come to realize that to develop a healthy body image doesn’t mean they need to look perfect all the time. As teenagers, however, it is rather difficult for them to grasp the profound meaning of inner beauty. Around this time, looking perfect still means the world to them.

The Vulnerable Teenage Years

Teens with body weight, shape and physical features that are not perceived as “standard or ideal”, are the ones most susceptible to having poor body image. Though, that is not always the case. There are other factors that can cause a teen to be more prone to developing an unhealthy body image.

The National Eating Disorders Association (NEDA) says that adolescents might be more at risk if they:

• feel pressure from family, peers or media to fit into a narrow idea of beauty and attractiveness, or if family members or peers tease them about the way they look
• have a different body shape or weight from many of their peers, or a body shape that’s obviously different from the ‘ideal’ shapes seen in the media
• are perfectionists
• look at themselves from the ‘outside’ and worry about how others see them, or if they compare themselves to others
• have low self-esteem or experience symptoms of depression
• belong to a friendship, sport or dance group that emphasizes a certain body type
• have physical disabilities

Poor Body Image Warning Signs

It is natural for teens to care about their body. It is even healthy to want to be attractive. When this desire becomes an obsession, and when you notice your teenager being too affected about the way they look, it may be time to take a second look. Much like adults, there are adolescents who have a healthy self-image and there are also those who do not. Poor self-image could be the underlying cause when these signs are observed:

• Feelings of self-doubt and not being enough
• Being ambiguous or unsure about themselves, specifically their bodies
• Constantly comparing themselves to others
• Being lonesome to the point of avoiding people and activities involving others
• Constantly thinking about weight loss and taking extreme measures to maintain their weight
• Always looking at themselves in the mirror and taking pictures, or avoiding these at all costs
• Associating eating with weight gain or using it as a diversion when feeling bad

Adler and Stewart (2004) defines self-esteem as “… a person’s overall sense of his or her value or worth. It can be considered a sort of measure of how much a person “values, approves of, appreciates, prizes, or likes him or herself.” Having poor self-image can translate to having low self-esteem and low self-confidence. It can be difficult for your teen to overcome this without help. Seeking professional help can be helpful to avoid unnecessary complications or risky behaviors, such as eating disorders, drug addiction, teen pregnancy, smoking and more.

Seeking Professional Help

The effects of having a negative self-image can be serious. Teens obsessed about their looks can incessantly compare themselves to others. In addition, they can be fixated on unrealistic and unachievable goals. Perpetually working to achieve their lofty goal, and failing so many times, they may be more susceptible to depression and other mood disorders.

Having an unhealthy view of oneself and low self-esteem can also lead to relationship difficulties. Academics can also suffer, and you may find your teen often irritable, solitary, unhappy and self-critical.

Can Counseling Help?

Self-esteem is ever evolving. Self-acceptance and accepting one’s body is an ongoing process. Improving one’s body image may seem like a never-ending course and assisting your child in this may feel overwhelming. Counseling can help.

Help support your teen in developing a positive and healthy self-image. Talking to an understanding counselor independently contracted with Carolina Counseling Services – West Fayetteville Office – Fayetteville, NC can be a productive, smart and caring approach. It may be time to begin the journey for you and your teen. Start with a call. CCS – West Fayetteville Office – Fayetteville, NC is here to help!

Related Articles:

• The Relationship Between Low Self-Esteem and Depression
• Improving Self-Esteem – How to Feel Better About Yourself
• Going Beyond Low Self-Esteem
• Conquering the Issue of Low Self-Esteem in Teens and Adolescents
• Building a Healthy Self-Image and Letting Go of Low Self-Esteem