Happy Tuesday!
Welcome to my second post for #MentalHealthAwarenessWeek , today the focus is on 'Media and Body Image'.
I’m both a mental health and book blogger – so my love of books manages to sneak into pretty much everything in my life! And when I think of body image, Oscar Wilde’s ‘The Picture of Dorian Gray’ immediately comes to mind – the protagonist Dorian wishes to stay young forever due to his love of his own youthful body. The idea of how we perceive ourselves to look to others, and how we feel about ourselves is a theme that has been mentioned and referred to for many years – including back in approximately 1890 with the publication of Wilde’s ‘Dorian Gray’.
Body image is also referenced across media including film and television, with actors and actresses providing subconscious ideals to what we believe our bodies ought to look like. Newspapers can also provide misleading articles on what we should and shouldn’t look like. Social media too can be a negative influence in this, as we can very easily fall into the trap of comparing ourselves against others, becoming jealous, and feeling unattractive or uncomfortable in our own skin. That’s not to say each form of media doesn’t have its advantages for some people.
These supposed ‘ideal bodies’ aren’t achievable goals, and frankly, in my opinion shouldn’t be seen as ‘goals’ in the first place. For we are all unique, and our individual features make us who we are.
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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