Self image is a person’s mental picture of themselves in terms of both their physicality and personality. It’s a combination of someone’s thoughts about what they think they look like, how they see their personality, their beliefs on what others think of them, how much they like themselves and how they see and feel about their status in life. Self esteem is closely related to self image, as self esteem is a person’s feelings about themselves and these feelings are normally informed by their self image.
Once someone’s self image has developed, itcan be quite difficult for them to change it. If someone develops negative opinions of themselves, then their self esteem will be low. Low self esteem and poor self image have long been associated with anxiety, eating disorders, depression, addictive behaviors, domestic violence and sexual issues in adolescence though to adulthood.
Poor self-image is normally developed as a child before the development of critical faculties that evaluate criticism from others. Here are some of the things that can contribute to poor self-image and self-esteem.
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Unrealistic perceptions of people (often celebrities and models) in the media.
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Academic failure.
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Fear of abandonment/early separation from parents
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Excessive criticism by significant others.
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Lack of external support and praise
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Receiving little affection, support or respect
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Being bullied, frequently teased, or laughed at
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Receiving overly strict, cruel, or age-inappropriate punishment
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Being shamed when alone or in front of others
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Being negatively compared to siblings or other children
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Not being allowed to participate in school activities, play with neighbours and friends, or do normal things other kids do.
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Being blamed for the parent's problems
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Not being taught appropriate social skills
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Not being encouraged in school and other personal endeavours
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Being ill as a child and unable to participate in normal activities
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Being criticized for weight or appearance.
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Bach Original Flower Remedies such as Crab Apple can help with poor self esteem and self image. It encourages acceptance of oneself and ones imperfections, promoting a positive self image. Larch can help people develop a realistic sense of self esteem. (Always read the label.)
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List things you like about yourself. Think about including aspects of your appearance, personality and skills
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Remember compliments and note them down. Keep them ina box at home at look at them when you start to feel down about yourself.
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Exercise increases your levels of “feel good” endorphins and can help boost your self image.
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Be positive. Focus on the positive things in your life and don’t dwell on the negative things that happen to you.
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Be more inquisitive. Question whether your view of yourself is accurate and how your self perception differs from others perception of you.
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If you don’t like something, change it! If you dislike something about your behaviour or appearance, why not try to change it? Hair, clothes, weight and behaviour are relatively easy things to change.
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Accept that you are human. Everybody has their faults and is perfect in their own way. Don’t take your faults or problems so seriously.
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Counselling can help if you feel you have serious issues with self esteem and self image that you don’t think you can handle alone. You can get a referral from your GP.
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There are self esteem courses available in most towns and cities across the country, you’ll not only learn a few things but you’ll also meet other people who suffer with similar problems as you.
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Poor self esteem and self image can be associated with having a lack of confidence or low mood (click on the links to read our articles on these issues).
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