How Body Image Affects Your MENTAL HEALTH

Written by Dr. Trevor York

When you first wake up in the morning, what do you typically see? For most of us, we see the bright screens of our phones. Displayed on our phones are several images, videos, clips and pictures of our most idealized selves and the idealized versions of others. We try our hardest to put the best image of ourselves out there, but, at what cost? We have days in which we do not feel the best. There are times when we are having bad hair days. All that is to say, that we are not super models 100% of the time, nor should we be. However, what usually is projected in the media, social media, and advertising are individuals who have Herculean physiques, enhanced facial and body features – often through a filter with heavy editing. Upon looking at the research, the impact that social media has on our body image becomes clearer. A study by Saiphoo and Vahedi (2019) found an association between social media usage and body image disturbance, though further research is needed.

Most of us can say that there are certain aspects of ourselves that we would like to see changed or improved. However, when those pursuits interfere with our functioning, or our health, those desires have become detrimental. There are several conditions in which disturbances in how we perceive ourselves can lead to disorders. Some of these disorders include body dysmorphic disorder, anorexia nervosa, bulimia nervosa, and binge eating disorder. Per the DSM-5 (the standard classification of mental disorders used by mental health professionals in the U.S.), body dysmorphic disorder is when an individual is excessively concerned about, and preoccupied by, a perceived defect in his or her physical features, which causes a disturbance in functioning.

The DSM-5 defines anorexia nervosa as a disorder that includes behaviors that result in a body mass index being critically low due to restrictive eating patterns, purging, or excessive exercise to lose weight. According to the DSM-5, an individual with bulimia nervosa has a normal body mass index, however, they engage in binge eating and compensatory behaviors such as restricting, purging, or excessive exercise to lose weight. Per the DSM-5, binge eating disorder is a condition in which an individual will eat an amount of food in a short period of time that is larger than most individuals would eat in a similar period, and having a sense of lack of control, and compensatory behaviors.

Though these disorders are infrequent in the general populations, their impacts on individuals, families and communities can be great. If you feel that you are losing or gaining too much weight, please reach out to your health care professional.

Dr. Trevor York is a psychiatrist working in Brook Lane’s inpatient unit on the main campus. He received his medical degree from University at Buffalo – The State University of New York, in Buffalo, NY. He completed a child & adolescent psychiatry fellowship at Children’s National Medical Center, George Washington University in Washington, DC and an adult psychiatry residency at Albany Medical Center in Albany, NY. Dr. York joined the medical staff in early 2023.

Here are several things that you can do to improve the image of yourself in order to thwart the, often unrealistic, standards promoted by the media and idealized on social media.

• Take a break from your phone: It can be hard to disconnect from our phones, but try it. Attempt to limit your exposure to social media platforms to no more than one hour per day.

• Knowledge: There are several resources online that you can use to learn more about implementing a healthy lifestyle (health.gov and fda.gov are great starting places).

• Balance: Take time to assess what is important for you. Make a list and understand that you do not have to address everything. If it is increased physical activity, start with walking (you do not have to do a marathon), and gradually increase intensity. When it comes to diet, try to eat only until you feel full and eat high-fiber foods. Staying hydrated is a great way to keep you satisfied in between meals. If you want to start a diet, you do not have to start immediately. Gradual steps are key to long lasting change. If you are a soda drinker, try to replace one soda daily with water (or even low-calorie flavor enhanced water). It can go a long way.

• Acceptance: There is no one who is like you…you are uniquely you! Yes, there are things that we can all can improve upon, but know, for example, if losing weight is an issue, exercising, even without losing weight, is better than not exercising because positive changes will be happening internally. As you exercise, you will become more capable and that can provide a serious self-esteem boost.

• Talk with your doctor: If you have concerns about your body image, it may be time to speak with your doctor. They can develop a treatment plan to address your specific needs – whether that be a referral to a mental health professional, dietician, or weight management coach.