Tips on Overcoming Body Image Issues

Many people today are experiencing body image issues, which unfortunately are impacting how they feel about themselves, how they interact with others and their ability to accomplish life goals. To help understand where body image issues stem from and for tips on overcoming body image issues, I have interviewed psychologist Dr. Santhi Periasamy.

Tell me a little bit about yourself.
"I am a licensed psychologist in private practice in Houston, Texas. I got my Doctoral degree in Counseling Psychology at Georgia State University in Atlanta. I also received a Masters of Science in Rehabilitation Psychology and Counseling from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill . I have worked with individuals on various issues, including but not limited to depression, eating and body image concerns , PTSD/trauma, anxiety, academic and career difficulties, multicultural/diversity concerns, family conflicts, difficult life transitions, intimate relationship challenges , and substance issues."

Where does body image issues stem from?
"Body image issues may stem from multiple sources including the media, societal influences, family patterns/influences around self-esteem, peer relationships and interactions as well as other environmental influences affecting adolescents and children.

From my perspective, negative feelings about body image can also stem from a method of coping with injuries to our self-esteem as well as a means of coping with critical feedback from our family, our peers, society, etc. When we are critical of ourselves, we feel a false sense of being able to control the hurt and pain from others. It is easy to gravitate towards our body image because we are in a society that informs us that we can control the way we look at any point we desire."

What are some tips for overcoming body image issues?
"From my perspective, it may be helpful to address the issue with a professional if the body image concerns are affecting other areas of your life. In conjunction, a person may work on shifting their negative feelings and thoughts towards positive thoughts and feelings. For example, a person may immediately gravitate towards looking at the negative parts of their body in the mirror. Generally, I would recommend to try and identify the parts that you appreciate, like, or love about your body. It often helps to recognize that being critical of one's self is a habit. As babies, we are born with positive self-esteem and positive body image. Multiple influences in our lives change the way we perceive ourselves across time.

I work with individuals to understand the influences that have affected their body image as well as to identify the emotions and wounds created by these experiences. I also work with individuals to move towards increasing positive self-talk and reducing the amount of negative inner self-talk."

What type of professional help is available for someone that is having a difficult time overcoming body image issues?
" A therapist is a positive professional that can help someone going through body image issues. Several websites such as http://www.something-fishy.org/ can be extremely helpful. Several books have been written about transforming our body image and are helpful as resources if you are unable to find a therapist. http://www.books4selfhelp.com/body-image.htm

Also, looking for support groups that promote healthy body image or a collective sisterhood/brotherhood may be helpful as well. Often, groups are available through some spiritual organizations as well as through community organizations.

Thank you Dr. Periasamy for doing the interview on overcoming body image issues. For more information on Dr. Periasamy or her work you can check out her website at www.drsanthi.com.

Recommended Readings:
http://www.associatedcontent.com/article/5638262/bulimia_nervosa_symptoms_and_treatment.html?cat=70">Bulimia Nervosa: Symptoms and Treatment

http://www.associatedcontent.com/article/5475464/eating_disorders_questions_and_answers.html?cat=51">Eating Disorders: Questions and Answers

http://www.associatedcontent.com/article/5583296/understanding_anorexia_nervosa_an_interview.html?cat=70">Understanding Anorexia Nervosa