BODY SHAMING —How it forms an unhealthy mind.

What is body shaming?

Body shaming is an act of making critical comments about a person's body shape or size.

It is disheartening to see that body shaming has become a norm in the society. Whether you're fat or thin, tall or short, you still get body shamed. This has mentally affected so many people because they think they don't fit into the society's standard of 'Beautiful.'
  
Unfortunately, this has led the people at the receiving end of it into depression, lack of self-confidence and self-esteem, and the need to seek external validation.

There was a time when I was mocked for being thin, and I began to stuff my face with food because I wanted to put on some weight. This only made me suffer, especially, from terrible and painful cramps every month, and it almost led to being diagnosed with diabetes.

Who are the body shamers?

The first person that is guilty of that is YOU! Let me enlighten you.

Oftentimes, we are our own worst critiques without even realizing it. It could start when you are flicking through magazines, or scrolling through the pages of your favourite celebrities, and admiring pictures of people you presume 'gorgeous' wanting to be the same because you believe that they are better. You start to self-loathe, and mutter to yourself on how much you wish you were formed differently.

This can escalate into body dysmorphic disorder (BDD), where you become obsessed with a perceived appearance flaw that can create repeated avoidance behaviors.

And by doing that, you allow others to mock, and turn up their nose at you. For no one can make you feel what you don't allow them to.

Parents and siblings also body shame. It can be in form of jokes they deem harmless or by comparing you with other people. It is pertinent to note that most parents are ignorant to the fact that they body shame their children.

Friends, class mates and acquaintances also body shame.

The media is also a huge contributor in enabling a false fixation on how a perfect person should appear.


How to overcome body shaming.

" When you judge a woman by her appearance, it doesn't define her, it defines you" –Steve Maraboli

This should be your motto if you suffer from anxiety as a result of being body shamed. The shape or size of your body doesn't define or make you. It is what sets you apart and makes you unique.

Learn to love and accept your body.

Be positive and speak only 

kind words to yourself.

Stay away from people who can't help but to body shame.

Surround yourself with people who will respect and treat you well.

Reduce your screen time. If what you see on social media contributes to your depression, then it is in your best interest to reduce how much time you spend scrolling through social media applications, and find other productive things to do with your time.


Hello there.😊
I'm Tolulope Ijaoba, a new writer for this blog and this is my first article. I love to write and read. I'll be taking up residence at the Humanity, Mental Health and Inspirational columns. Looking forward to growing and connecting with you all.

       Au revoir.😘🤗