Self Esteem I.Q.

Written by Shaundrie Jones

“Find the love you seek, by first finding the love within yourself. Learn to rest in that place within you that is your true home.”- Sri Sri Ravi Shanka

Do you have a negative body image??

Reading "Danger Zone: Dieting and Eating Disorders Negative Body Image" written by Edward Willett compelled me to discuss this topic. Negative body images are really common for young women and men. During puberty, your body is experiencing a surge of hormones which causes break outs, weight gain and hundreds of changes in your body. However, you should remain positive and understand that EVERYONE goes through this stage in life.

Many are probably wondering, "What is a negative body image?". A negative body image is how you proceive yourself. To be defined in simple terms, negative body image is low estimation of one's body. To consider oneself to be too fat, too thin, too short etc. It can affect the way you interact with family, friends and peers. Having a negative body image can affect your performance in school. It can prevent you from being the AWESOME person that you really are!!! Here's tons of information about Negative Body Image! Check it out!

How do you get that type of social problem?"

The Beauty Industry & Television

The entertainment industry was founded on perfection. It profits on illusions. Most of the people that are seen in magazines or television have on tons of make up and/or have been airbrushed. These people do not represent regular Americans. Young girls who see these images think that it is normal and attempt to emulate what is seen on television. When they can not duplicate the image of their favorite celebrity, a negative body image can arise.

Families and Food

Healthy eating habits are extremely important to developing young women. Mixed messages about food can create serious eating problems. Family behavior is very important, also.Stresses from high expectations from parents can cause eating disorders. Negative body images can also be created by the way your parents perceive their body image. If your mom is constantly concerned about her weight, a powerful message that you should be as well can be transferred to you.

Sexual Abuse

When a person is secually abused, they have been emotionally and physically hurt. As they enter puberty, they become ashamed of their bodies. They are also afriad that the abuse will occur again. To prevent the abuse they attempt to make themselves unattravtive by loosing weight on purpose..

Puberty
Physical changes are taking over a body in puberty. Breast begin develop, body fat begins to increase and hips start to widen. Some begin to diet duting this time. When it isnt affective they become obessed with dieting.

Peer Pressure

We all know taht teenagers are cruel. Wanting to fit in with your peers cans be dangerous for your body image. People can say mean things to you. If those things are heard often, you will start to believe them. This is the time that teens also begin to develop their self idenity. This can be difficult if you have negative friend putting you down.

Low Self Esteem

The way a person views themselves is called self-esteem. Some people who think greatly of themselves have high self esteem. Those that feel unattractive or undesirable have low self esteem.This type of self esteem can cause poor school performances, doubts themselves and has very low self worth.

How can you tell if you have it?

Do you find yourself thinking about food often?
Are you constantly comparing your body shape to others?
Do you make negative comments about yourself to others?
Do you dislike your body?
Do you avoid social events because you are ashamred of your body or fear others will find you unattractive?
Do you avoid eating around other people?
After watching television or reading magazines, do you feel disappointed in your body or angry at yourself?
Are worried that you are gaining too much weight?

If most of your answers were "yes", you could be suffering from a negative body image. Consider getting some assisatnce to help build your self esteem. If you do not seek help, you may develop an eating disorder.

How Can You Fix It?

Awareness

Learn about health and nutrition to understand clearly an ideal situation for a person of your age. It is important to understand that information is general guidelines and not specific for each person.

Find Reasons

Investigate the root issue that is effecting your body image. It will help you understand yourself better. Once you understand the problem, you are closer to finding a solution.

Positive Attitude

Always have a positive attitude. You must constantly believe that you can have a healthy and fruitful life as you are. You should also understand that you have the ability to change the situation for the better.

Divert attention

Focus on the parts of your body that you love! Remember these qualities when you feel bad about your body.

Eliminate Negativity

Ignore negative attitudes and comments towards your body. They are opinions and they do not matter. Surround yourself with positive, loving family members and friends.