How Does The Way I Think Affect Me?

Poor body image and self-esteem can lead to various mental health and other health conditions like depression, unhealthy dieting, eating disorders, self-harm, and substance abuse.

Body image and self-esteem can directly affect a person's thoughts, feelings, and actions. If you don't like your body or a part of your body (poor body image) it will be hard for you to feel good about your whole self (positive self-esteem). The reverse is also true. If you do not value yourself (poor self-esteem), it will be hard for you to notice positive things and give your body the respect it deserves (good body image).

Your negative thoughts about your body image and self-esteem affect your mental health and vice versa.

head with clouds above

Mental Health

Nothing ever works out.

If I can't handle this problem, I must be a failure.

If this isn't perfect, it's a total disaster.

I feel overwhelmed and low.

I don't take time out to take care of myself

sad person

Body Image

I don't like the way I look.

I wish I looked more like these other people.

There's something wrong with me. 

empty heart

Self-Esteem

I don't think I'm good enough.

Other people are better than me.

I should be able to do these things - there must be something wrong with me if I can't.

 

As you can see, the problem with negative thinking and feelings is that once you start to focus on shortcomings or problems in one area or one situation, it becomes very easy to only see problems in other areas or situations. Negative thinking has a way of leading to more negative thinking.

In the same way, positive thoughts about your body image and self-esteem, lead to postive mental health. 

face that is happy

Mental Health

I make time to take care of myself, even when I'm dealing with dificult feelings or situations.

I know that I can start working to solve problems.

I can handle disappointments or difficult feelings, and I know they don't reflect my worth.

Things may not be 100% perfect all the time, and that's okay.

happy person

Body Image

I'm comfortable with the way I look.

I'm in tune with what my body needs.

I know that looks have nothing to do with worth or abilities.

full heart

Self-Esteem

I feel confident and capable.

I place realistic expectations on myself and others.

I respect myself. 

These are just a few examples. Good body image, self-esteem, and mental health are not about making a person feel happy all the time. They are really about respecting yourself, others, thinking realistically, and taking action to cope with problems or difficulties in healthy ways.

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