How Women's Counseling Helps Women Navigate Body Image Issues in the Summer
In the summer, messages of "ideal" body size, shape, and beauty are especially pervasive. It can be difficult to navigate the overwhelming messages from society about how women should look. Women and men of all ages can struggle with body image issues due to these messages. It can make them feel embarrassed, ashamed, and even depressed.
As women, we internalize these messages we receive from society but also from family, friends, and partners. We can start to question our own identity and work to fit into the body shapes that society says are ideal. This can lead to body image difficulties including eating disorders, anxiety, and depression. Even though it's mostly talked about in the context of women, men can also be affected by these same issues.
What are Body Image Issues?
Body image issues involve women and men being unhappy with the shape or size of their bodies. As stated above, it is impacted by societal messages, family messages, and other external factors. It can manifest in different ways such as low self-esteem, negative body talk, and unhealthy eating habits.
When it comes to the summertime, messages of ideal body size and shape are especially pervasive. From advertisements featuring scantily clad swimsuit models to magazine covers showing six-pack abs, it's easy for us to feel inadequate. All bodies are beautiful, including those on magazine covers. But it's important to remember that these images are often photoshopped or edited in some way, so they don’t represent reality. They are often unattainable.
What Role Does Summertime Play in Body Image Issues?
Summer can be particularly difficult for those dealing with body image issues. Everywhere you turn it seems like there are reminders of how we should look. From the beach to pool parties, it can be hard not to compare yourself to others. For men, there are reminders of ideal body shapes such as bulging muscles, six-packs, and toned arms. For women, it’s often about having a “bikini body” or being a certain size.
It's also a time when women are often wearing more dresses, shorts, tank tops, and swimsuits. This can make it more difficult to feel comfortable in your own skin. Especially if you are bombarded by images of what is considered the “ideal” body type. Criticizing comments from family, friends, or partners can also result in body image concerns. All of these messages can contribute to feeling inadequate about your own body.
How Can Women's Counseling Help Women Navigate Body Image Issues in the Summer?
Women's counseling can help by figuring out where you received messages about how women's bodies are supposed to look. Counseling is also a place where you can talk through what you want the relationship with your body to look like. You are more than just your body. Your worth is not determined by the shape or size of your body. At Sunrise Counseling, we don't want your difficulties with body image to take up space in your brain when there are other things in life that are important.
Our goal with women's counseling is to support you in figuring out your ideal relationship with your body. What does this look like? It could mean that you don't feel the need to compare yourself to others anymore. How does this relationship make you feel? Is it freeing? Empowering? We want you to get in touch with how you feel and learn how to be comfortable in your own skin. Because you are more than just your body!
Ways to Help Navigate Body Image Issues in the Summer
Finding ways to remind yourself of your worth and focus on the positives of your body can be beneficial. Combating negative thoughts with positive affirmations can help you to reset your thinking. This way, instead of focusing on what is "wrong" with your body, you can focus on what's right.
Come Up With a Mantra
Coming up with a mantra that you can say to yourself that you can believe in a moment of low confidence will help you reframe your thinking and put things into perspective. It doesn't have to be obnoxiously positive, but it should be nicer than what you might be saying to yourself in the moment. Something like “The way my body looks doesn't define me, so I'm going to focus on the things my body does for me.” For example, "My body is strong, capable and allows me to do the things I love". This mantra can be repeated when needed to help you stay focused on the positive aspects of your body in the summertime (and throughout the year!).
Be Mindful of Your Media Consumption
If a source of your body image issues in the summer is the media, it’s important to be mindful of what you read and watch. If there are certain magazines that you notice flair up your insecurities, avoid them. Try to focus on positive sources of media that celebrate different body types and show beauty in all shapes and sizes. It's also important to think about the people you are interacting with or following on social media. Are they making you feel good about yourself? Are they reinforcing negative thoughts about your body or making you feel better? If not, it might be time to unfollow.
Celebrate Non-Physical Aspects of Yourself
Summer is a great time to celebrate the non-physical aspects of yourself when normally we are focused on how our bodies look. Celebrate your personality, your passions and hobbies, and the relationships you have with friends and family. Focus on the unique skills that make you special and remind yourself that your worth lies beyond physical appearance. For men and women, this can be a great replacement for the focus on physical appearances during the summer months.
Ultimately, both men and women struggle with body image issues in the summer. It's important to remember that everyone is different and that all bodies are beautiful! There are many ways to cope with body image issues, such as self-care practices like affirmations and mindfulness. Additionally, women's counseling can be a great way for women to help explore underlying issues and feelings related to body image. Start enjoying the summer for all of its glory - not just how you look in a swimsuit!
Enjoy Your Summer and Begin Working on Women's Issues in Dallas, TX with Women's Counseling at Sunrise Counseling!
Body image issues can be a difficult topic to bring up and discuss, but it doesn't have to be. At Sunrise Counseling, we understand the struggles that come with body image and we are here to help. We offer women's counseling to help women navigate their issues and find the support they need. Our therapists also understand that men also struggle with body image issues, so if you are a man reading this, feel free to reach out as well! Together, we can work towards creating a healthy relationship with your body that you can keep all year long. To start in-person or online women's counseling to address body image issues and other women's issues in Dallas, TX follow these steps:
1. Contact Sunrise Counseling
2. Meet with one of our caring therapists
3. Begin creating a healthy relationship with your body!
Other Mental Health Services in Dallas, TX
Women's Counseling is only one of the mental health services we offer at Sunrise Counseling. Our therapists understand that body image is just one aspect of mental health, and we want to help you with all of your mental health needs. This is why we provide a variety of services to clients from our Dallas TX-based therapy office and the surrounding areas. Other mental health services we provide at Sunrise Counseling include: