One of the byproducts of living in a highly-connected, digital society is that we are constantly exposed to unrealistic beauty standards. Social media, television, and film are full of influencers and actors whose lifestyle depends on maintaining impossible physiques. Their lives are documented by professional photographers and their social media presence is controlled with photos often retouched or enhanced by filters.
While we often think of body dysmorphia as a problem that only affects young girls and women, the reality is that anyone can fall prey to these unrealistic standards.
What is Body Dysmorphia?
It’s common for people to fret over their appearance from time to time—especially before a big presentation at work or a night out on the town. Sometimes that concern dips into the realm of excessive or even obsessive worry. Here are some questions to ask yourself if you’re unsure whether or not this describes you:
- Are you uncomfortable being photographed?
- Do you avoid activities you might otherwise enjoy (such as sex, or swimming) because of perceived flaws in your body?
- How much time do you spend grooming yourself in a mirror to try to fix your flaws?
- Is your body a source of shame and discomfort for you?
Body dysmorphia is characterized by ongoing discomfort and impact on day-to-day life.
Boys, Girls, and Body Dysmorphia
In the 80s and 90s as skinny culture reached its peak, people started to wake up to the fact that the beauty standards being set by the media were having an unhealthy impact on young girls. Eating disorders like anorexia and bulimia were increasingly common, carrying with them dangerous side effects.
Less well-understood were the growing insecurities among young boys. As Hollywood entered the era of the action hero and professional athletes became the gold standard in advertising, depictions of ripped physiques and six-pack abs became commonplace. Young boys were growing up with a different social ideal than young women, but the effect was no less harmful.
As a result, we now live in a society where whole generations have grown up struggling with shame over their appearance.
Sources of Body Dysmorphia
Kids today live their lives on the internet—and it’s often difficult for parents to police what they’re exposed to. It’s easy for it to go unnoticed when boys end up swimming in toxic waters online. There are corners of the internet where they’ll hear no one will want them if they don’t have a sculpted jawline. Like girls, they’ll hear they’re too short, too fat, or too ugly to be loved.
Social media, film, television, and advertising all play a role in setting unrealistic beauty standards—but sometimes body dysmorphia starts at home. Comments from friends and family may trigger insecurity and shame.
Bullying at school can be a major contributing factor. During early childhood and teenage years, boys and girls are especially susceptible to these kinds of influences. When those comments come from people we love and trust, it reinforces existing insecurities.
Early Intervention
Body dysmorphia tends to start during early childhood or the teenage years. While it’s more frequently reported in women than men, there’s evidence to suggest that boys are just as susceptible. Most people struggle in silence with body dysmorphia. Shame makes it hard to open up about our insecurities. With body dysmorphia, it’s important to get support early on.
Counseling
In a society soaked in unrealistic beauty standards, avoiding it isn’t an option. The best tool for combating the shame and insecurity that comes with body dysmorphia is therapy. Whether it’s connecting with a support group or working with a trained therapist, finding a safe place to open up about your insecurities is the best way to work through them.
Reach out today to schedule a free consultation to learning more about how we can help you conquer your insecurities.