Body Image in Teenagers
It’s no surprise that during our teenage years, our bodies begin to change and develop in many ways. This of course is exciting, however some of these changes can take some time to get used to.
It is easy to start comparing our bodies to those around us. In high school, everyone’s bodies, male or female, develop at different rates and in different ways. You might find that your friend’s voices begin to get deeper, you might have a sudden break out of pimples on your face or start getting your period. These changes may occur gradually over time, or they may come on suddenly with little time to prepare. Whichever way this is happening, your appearance is changing, and it is okay to feel unsure or even uncomfortable with this process.
Some features of our body that begin to change/develop in adolescence:
- Breast enlargement
- Body hair growth
- Height
- Weight fluctuation
- Hips widening
- Definition of muscles
- Skin imperfections – pimples!
- Teeth – braces
- Periods (menstruation)
- Voice changes
- Mood swings
- Bloating – stomach concerns
With constant social pressures and the influence of social media on adolescents, it can be quite difficult to learn to accept these changes. Such pressures combined with these body changes, can lead to teenagers developing a negative body image, and often a preoccupation of the way certain parts of their body look. Body image concerns have been associated with low self-esteem, and a low level of confidence during adolescents, and if not identified early and managed, can have long term effects.
So how do we support ourselves, our friends, and family members who may be struggling with a negative body image or negative perception of self?
- Self-love – Be kind to yourself, your body is changing! Every morning when you look in the mirror, give yourself 3 compliments! Don’t be shy, say them out loud!
- Perspective taking – What would you tell your friend if they told you they didn’t like their body? What advice would you give?
- Be understanding – for parents, remember what it was like being a teenager and how you perceived the world. Be patient.
- Social media – unfollow or block unhelpful or negative body image influencers. Follow inspirational and motivational individuals instead!
- Notice a change in behaviour – Have you noticed a recent change in behaviour in someone you care about? Exercising more? Not eating as much? Criticising themselves?
- Stop comparing yourself! These changes are NORMAL and a part of being human!
If you or someone you know is needing some extra support with body image or a developing a negative perception of self, please reach out and contact the team at Progressive Psychology on 0477 798 932. Our wonderful team are here to help and can support you to learn how to accept who you are, and how amazing that is!
Bianca Bartling is an ACA registered Counsellor at Progressive Psychology.