With #MentalHealthAwarenessWeek nearing the end, the conversations shouldn't stop. It's very important that we continue to talk openly with one another about our mental health and to reach out when we're struggling.
I started to become body-conscious around the age of ten, just little things that I would compare myself against. I was mocked for my freckles (of which I have many covering my body!), my face, etc. This inadequate feeling built up through high school where girls would compare weights, chest size, etc. all portraying the idea that our bodies were a competition. Around the age of fifteen/sixteen, I started to watch what I ate and often would miss dinner altogether. I wasn't an unhealthy weight, I think more the expectations between girls at school - and the onset of depression/anxiety all added up together to stop me eating.
Now, a few years on, my diet is better and I'm less body-conscious. I think after leaving school, it became much easier to stop overthinking what I ate and what I looked like. I wouldn't consider myself to be body-conscious anymore. I know of people who have had far worse experiences with body image, and I'm glad mine was only school-related, it's more the depression and anxiety that I struggle with now. If you're currently struggling with body image, then I would encourage you to reach out for professional help.
Take care, Sophie x
Disclaimer - As always, please bear in mind that I am not a mental health professional or any other type of professional, this is a hobby for me and is for informational purposes only and shouldn’t be seen as any kind of advice. I am not liable for any consequences as a result of this information and if readers rely on any of the information on my blog, it is at their own risk. I cannot confirm that all information is correct, accurate or reliable. The information is true to the best of my knowledge, yet there may be omissions, errors or mistakes. This information isn’t intended as a substitute for professional advice, diagnosis or treatment. If you have, or believe to have, a mental illness, please contact a mental health professional.
This image belongs to Wix.
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