Body Image & Personality

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Body Image & Personality

Body Image:

Body image refers to the way a person perceives their body, the way they look and how they feel in the that look. Body image can be closely related to the level of confidence that a person has when they look at themselves. When a person has Body Image issues then they can be excessively obsessive the flaws they have. It is a mental health condition in which the person lacks the acceptance about the way look.

Symptoms of Body Image Issues:

The symptoms can be understood when there is severe obsession with the body flaws. This may include :

Excessive Focus on Appearance :

Constantly thinking about any body part and assuming it as deformed or constantly finding flaws in it.
Perceiving any body part as deformed and spending hours on it
Constantly worrying about being Judged in social gathering

Repetitive Behavior:

Repetitively checking mirrors
Complaining about their flaws again and again
Comparing themselves with others and then getting demotivated
Seeking constant Reassurance about their looks

Avoidance:

Avoiding the group photos or selfies due to the assumed flaws
Avoiding social gatherings because of the fear of Judgement
Skipping school or college or work due to appearance anxiety.

Distorted perception:

Imagining the flaws bigger than reality
Worsening thoughts by thinking negatively constantly

Cosmetic Fixation:

Thinking that the repair in body might help solve every problem in life
Frequent visits to the Dermatologist.

Who can Have The Issue Of Body Image?

Anyone can have this issue, in all age ranges starting from adolescent to Geriatric population, most commonly observed in the young adults and adults.

This can be solved if the severity is mild or below mild through self care and mindful techniques to help them to accept their image. If the severity level is high then they might take help from the counselors.

The effect of having body image issues can be closely related to the eating habits of a person. This can sometimes lead to Eating Disorders.

Eating Disorder.

What is an Eating Disorder?

Extreme changes in eating habits due to worry about one’s body shape and size is an Eating Disorder. Common eating disorders include Anorexia Nervosa, Bulimia and Binge Eating Disorder.

Types of Eating Disorders

Anorexia Nervosa – characterized by an obsession over weight, and the desire to become skinny till the point of “Size 0.” It involves deliberate starvation and refusal to eat foods such as carbs, sugary foods and fats. Besides a drastic loss in weight, there is degeneration of muscle tissues, hair follicles and eventually heart tissues.
Bulimia – characterized by overeating, followed by throwing up or the use of laxatives to get rid of the food before the body can digest and store it. It is also the result of anxiety about body size and image. It can lead to issues like dehydration, electrolyte imbalance etc.
Binge-Eating Disorder (BED) – Unlike bulimia, binge-eating in this case is not followed by remedial actions such as throwing up. Therefore, a binge eater is at a greater risk of obesity and related ailments.

How do you identify an Eating Disorder?

An Eating Disorder (ED) is not the same as a one-off incident of throwing up after a meal, or not eating because you’re feeling full. Behaviour typical of any ED, as mentioned above, occurs on almost a daily basis for a prolonged period of time.

Besides obvious physical symptoms such as drastic weight loss, constantly checking weight, weakness and fatigue, and nausea and dehydration, EDs can have emotional drawbacks as well.
This includes social isolation, refusal to go out and have a meal with friends, being withdrawn at home etc.
Many times a person with an ED may not specifically confide in a friend, therefore it is important to notice any changes in behaviour and take action.

Personality Issues:

Personality can be a combination of multiple factors that a person has as traits. Inclusive of extrovert/introvert behavior, the level of emotional stability and confidence that a person carries while accepting themselves the way they are.