Were you ever told that you would look prettier only if you lost a few pounds? Did losing the pounds get you extra praise? Have you thought that someone should not be wearing this much makeup at their age? Do you think having body hair is gross? If these questions are something you encounter regularly, then you are aware of the concept of body shaming.
Body shaming refers to making negative and bad remarks about somebody’s appearance, due especially to their body. While many people think body-shaming involves fat-hating, that’s not it. There are many types of body shaming, including ageism, making people awkward on their body hair, ridiculing their aged skin, calling them out on their looks, making jabs at what they eat, and wearing based on their body size, etc.
The impact of body shaming is a grave one indeed. People at the receiving end face a lot mental health problems, including anxiety, depression, psychological stress, etc. It also paves way for problems like body dysmorphic disorder and eating disorders, that require help from a Psychologist in Lahore.
Body shaming: Ending it
The problem of body shaming is a deep-rooted one. We have inherent biases against certain shapes and forms, and for some of the people, they might not even know that they are doing this. Moreover, the problematic notion has seeped so deep inside us, that many people end up shaming, themselves.
Mainstream and social media have certainly not helped. Both push for the image of a stereotypical person, who fits the acceptable mold established by society.
However, you need to realize that no one has any right to criticize the way you look and disadvantage you for it. It is admittedly easier said than done, but not impossible so. You can take steps to end up being at the receiving end of body shaming, and also, shaming others for their appearance as well.
Some helpful things to do include:
Accept all shapes and forms
You have been conditioned by society to accept people in just a specific way. It may be being thin for women, tall for men, etc. However, you need to make extra effort to let go of their bias.
Recognize this thinking lapse, and remedy it. People come in all shapes and forms, and they are perfect the way they are. They should not be conforming to senseless societal standards.
Don’t comment at all
There is a wide misconception that is prevalent that you need to comment on other people’s appearance. You really don’t. Even when you think you may be saying something nice, think at least twice before saying it.
For example, saying that you look so pretty now that you have lost the weight is not flattering, it’s demeaning. They were just as pretty when they were a different size.
Men often think it is flattering to say to women that they look pretty when they smile. That’s an underhanded insult; they looked beautiful even when they were not smiling.
Also, before passing a remark, check if it’s something that you would like to hear it. Make sure that yours is not a commentary on people’s appearance, but their being. Ultimately, be sure to be respectful in your conduct.
Love thyself
You may also be shaming yourself, and this practice needs to go. You need to accept your body for the way it is and love it. Think positively about your body. Thoughts that you are curvy, short, dark, etc. may run rampant in your mind, but you need to reign them in. Actively practice self-compassion.
Professional help
If you have been at the receiving end of body shaming, your baggage might be too big for just self-compassion to deal with it. The years of trauma may then require professional intervention, meriting a visit to the Psychologist in Islamabad then.