XClose

Students

Home
Menu

Building a relationship with body image

15 May 2019

This year, Mental Health Awareness Week is focused around body image – how we think and feel about our bodies. Here are some ways our perception of body image can be influenced and how you can build a more positive relationship with body image.

woman looking in mirror

One in eight people aged 18 and above have felt suicidal about their body image (Mental Health Foundation, 2019). This research highlights that all people regardless of age or gender can be affected by drivers such as social media and advertising.

Having concerns with body image is common and is not a mental health problem itself; however, it can be a risk factor for mental health problems. Body dissatisfaction is often associated with poorer quality of life, psychological distress and eating disorders. Studies also show that conversely body satisfaction leads to better overall wellbeing and fewer unhealthy dieting behaviours.

There are many ways that experiences and the environment can affect your feelings regarding body image. The consequences of these factors will be different for everyone. Body image may be influenced by:

  • Relationships with family and friends
  • How those around us speak and feel about bodies and appearance
  • Exposure to idealised or unrealistic bodies via media or social media
  • Pressures to look a certain way to match an ‘ideal’ body type
  • Gender and sexuality
  • Cultural differences around body ideals
  • Long-term health conditions

A survey conducted by the Mental Health Foundation in collaboration with YouGov, 2019, revealed that:

One in five adults (20%) felt shame, just over one third (34%) felt down or low, and 19% felt disgusted because of their body image in the last year. 

Just over one in five adults (21%) said images used in advertising had caused them to worry about their body image.

It is important that we all take action to build and promote positive body image and good mental health and wellbeing in relation to our bodies.

Small actions really could make a big difference. These are just a few that you could try:

  • Be mindful of social media accounts that post content that may make you feel dissatisfied with your own body
  • If your body image is a significant cause of stress, talk to a friend, a trusted adult or our Student Support and Wellbeing Advisers – daily drop-in sessions are held on Floor 1 of the Student Centre
  • Be more aware of how you speak about bodies in casual everyday conversation
  • Adopt healthy eating and physical activity into your daily life – finding the ways that are best suited to you.

Remember that you can attend our daily drop-in sessions to talk to an adviser in a safe, confidential and non-judgemental space. You can discuss any wellbeing, mental health and/or disability concerns that may be affecting your ability to study. Our Advisers can refer you on to specialist support if needed.

There are also many external organisations that you can call to talk to a professional, in confidence, about anything that is affecting you – Care First, Samaritans and Nightline.

Having concerns with body image is common and is not a mental health problem itself; however, it can be a risk factor for mental health problems. Body dissatisfaction is often associated with poorer quality of life, psychological distress and eating disorders. Studies also show that conversely body satisfaction leads to better overall wellbeing and fewer unhealthy dieting behaviours.