Mirror, Mirror: Why Do I Believe Them?

By Sexpress Editor Sofia Tinne

Content warning: This article covers discussions of body image, and eating disorders.

The pressure to live up to social norms about attractiveness and body image can be extremely strong in today's environment. Our social media feeds and glossy magazine covers are filled with carefully chosen images of the “ideal” life. But behind the surface is a complicated web of expectations that can have a significant impact on people's mental and physical health. Before I get profound and delve into the topic deeper, please know you have many supports around that you can turn to such as the UCC Students’ Union and the Student Health Service.

Individuals who identify as part of the LGBTQ+ community, people of colour, or people with disabilities may encounter extra obstacles and prejudice, which exacerbates feelings of inadequacy and marginalisation.

Although society's definitions of beauty have changed over time, thankfully so, many people still find them to be elusive and unattainable. Sometimes it feels impossible, like you just can’t breathe anymore, like the air has been blown out of your lungs. The media upholds limited notions of beauty, elevating muscularity for ‘men’ and thinness for ‘women’ as the pinnacle of beauty. In addition to excluding people with a variety of body types and sizes, these impossible standards also foster a toxic culture – online, in the home, in the workspace… everywhere – where people feel under pressure to meet unreachable standards. The problem is further complicated by the intersections between cultural beauty standards and other facets of identity, including race, ethnicity, gender, and sexual orientation. Individuals who identify as part of the LGBTQ+ community, people of colour, or people with disabilities may encounter extra obstacles and prejudice, which exacerbates feelings of inadequacy and marginalisation.

The constant search for the “perfect” body has a negative impact on mental health, increasing the risk of eating disorders as well as low self-esteem and body dissatisfaction. These expectations influence one’s view of their looks in an effect otherwise known as body image distortion. This can push people to take dangerous actions in an effort to achieve their ideal body type. I know I have struggled with food and body image issues for a portion of my life and sometimes I find myself falling into old habits of thinking about myself. But what I also know is that I am not alone in that thought, and that a lot of people have issues with their own image of themselves. You don’t realise that everyone goes through exactly what you’re going through because you may be more focused on yourself. I find myself constantly fixing an item of clothing when I am out in public, or just constantly criticising my appearance and posture. But most people are also focused on themselves to even notice that you do it too.

Anorexia nervosa, bulimia nervosa, and binge-eating disorder are examples of eating disorders that are severe mental illnesses that have the potential to be fatal. These illnesses frequently develop as a result of people trying to regulate their bodies to deal with underlying emotional pain or to conform to social norms. Eating disorders are often misdiagnosed and stigmatised despite their terrible consequences, which makes it difficult for people who are affected to get support and assistance. Most people do not even realise that you don’t need to be incredibly under/over-weight to be “unhealthy” but it could be any body type struggling.

Developing resistance to social influences necessitates a multidimensional strategy that takes into account systemic as well as individual elements.

A significant body positivity and acceptance movement has emerged in recent years, challenging conventional notions of beauty, and advancing inclusivity and self-love. Advocates of body positivity value diversity and inspire people to value their own qualities in spite of social conventions. In order to combat negative stereotypes and increase public awareness of body image issues, educational programmes and media efforts are essential. All bodies can be accepted and valued in a more inclusive society if realistic images of beauty are encouraged along with an accepting culture.

Developing resistance to social influences necessitates a multidimensional strategy that takes into account systemic as well as individual elements. Cultivating self-compassion, engaging in attentive self-care, and surrounding oneself with connections that encourage inner traits above outward appearance are all necessary steps towards developing a healthy body image.

Those who struggle with food disorders or body image issues also need to get expert help. On the path to rehabilitation and healing, therapists, dietitians, and support groups can offer priceless advice and assistance. These issues can develop over time and even begin later on in your life, but for many people it begins as a child or teen. We are constantly told to not eat too much, we are shown magazines where celebrities are being made fun of for having cellulite or stomach rolls on the beach, and it is emphasised to us that we are more “desirable” if we are skinny, that boys only want girls with a flat stomach. We hear so much talk about diets, and when someone is on one you constantly hear ‘You look great you have lost so much weight,’ liquid diets, at home workout equipment, waist trainers, appetite suppressants, intermittent fasting, and I could list more than I would like to.

Fat is not an ugly word, let's not treat it like one!

Why have we normalised this behaviour? Why is it not as common to congratulate someone on gaining weight? Are we ashamed to tell someone they have more fat on their body? Fat is not an ugly word, let's not treat it like one! I remember growing up you would always hear someone complaining about being “fat” and they would always be met with the response ‘No! You’re so pretty, you look so good’ etc. Literally who asked? Genuine question, who asked? Nobody said anything about not feeling beautiful... You made that assumption; you know that right? It makes me SICK.

We can make the world more accepting and compassionate by questioning these standards, encouraging body positivity, and cultivating an accepting society. I believe students need to be more political and more radical to really get anything done, you don’t deserve to hate parts of yourself so why should you let other people make you believe you do? In this world, I hope everyone can enjoy their individual beauty without feeling guilty or judged at some point in their lives. I hope one day we realise that as a society, so people can finally breathe for once.