Live GR: Body Image, 13th July 7:30 AEST

Amazing conversation everyone. Feeling really proud of the way everyone shared and supported each other. 

1. What is body image?

For me, body image is the lens you view yourself through. Body image isn't a stagnant thing for me, something that changes as I change. 

2. What are some things that you like about your body/ that your body lets you do?

I really appreciate my legs because they allow me to do things I love, like dancing. 

3. What does it mean to have a positive or healthy body image?/ What does having a positive body image mean to you?

To have a healthy body image, to me, is to see yourself in a balanced way. It doesn't mean you have to totally love every single part of yourself but it means that you accept yourself for what you are and treat your body well. 

4. What resources are available if you are struggling with your body image? How can we support a friend/ourselves struggling with body image?

The butterfly foundation are the main lead in Australian when it comes to body image and the struggles that can come up as a result. They offer online chat, helplines, information on their website as well as providing training to workplaces and school to create long-term impact. 

There is also the National Eating Disorders Collaboration who have a search engine for support services here. Also, Eating Disorders Victoria who have support services available to for residents of the state. 

Getting professional support is one option to getting help or helping a friend. There are so many ways however to connect with yourself and develop healthy eating/exercise habits, if you aren't ready to take that step. Tell someone you trust what is going on for you and get them to work on a plan with you/check in on you. 

If you have a friend or loved one who is struggling you can always contact professional supports to get some tips on how to help. 

5. What are your top tips and/or what steps can you take to develop a healthy body image for yourself?

My top tips are

• Be mindful to notice and appreciate the parts of your body that you like or that help you do the things you love. It could be as simple as having arms to hug your loved ones, hands to hold the lead and walk your dog or eyes to help you see your fave T.V show. 
• I know we bang on about it all the time but - self care. In social iso I was feeling really bad about the way I looked because I wasn't getting out as much and doing the usual things that make me feel good. Getting my nails done, or my hair, or getting a new pair of jeans makes me feel good in my skin and confident. Even though there is more to healthy body image than physical things, it still boosts your mood when you have done whatever self care you prefer. 
• It's all about balance. Balanced eating and exercise. Focus on health and not weight  

6. What's something you wish you knew about healthy body image when you were younger?

That you can have a healthy body at any size. That no matter what the size of my body, what really matters is how my body feels. I wish I knew that I wouldn't always hate aspects of my appearance and that it will 100% get easier as I get older. 

7. Has there been anything that has positively influenced your perception of body image?

Yep, looking back on old photos where I thought I looked horrible and I actually didn't look that bad. It made me realise that the emotions you have towards yourself in any given moment literally effects how you view yourself. It gave me hope that the way I perceive myself can change if I feel better. 

Thank you so much for the awesome chat tonight @Lost_Space_Explorer5 @ecla34 @WheresMySquishy @Hozzles @Bee  

I loved reading your answers 🙂

Thanks so much everyone for all your insights! I've really enjoyed this GR! 🙂

@Hozzles  I agree! According to my BMI, I was underweight for most of my life and my pediatrician even offered to put me on growth hormones but my parents said no. In the last couple of years, I found myself suddenly gaining weight despite eating much less and more 'healthier' than I did when I was underweight. My metabolism has changed a lot and I don't know why, but I'm trying a new kind of medication to see if it's medication-related. Like you, I also carry most of the weight on my legs and hips.

@ecla34  I agree! Some people can be unhealthy even though they look fine on the outside, and people can be healthy regardless of their size. People can also put on weight despite making healthy-sounding food choices and exercising.
In the last couple of years, I've had high triglycerides. My GP gave me an information sheet from a book saying that it's mostly caused by overeating and eating too much of certain foods, but I don't often eat those foods and don't eat much during the day. I do have a family history of high triglycerides and it can be genetic.

What are your top tips and/or what steps can you take to develop a healthy body image for yourself?
Something I have done is writing a positive affirmation about myself every day. I often think about other good things about myself other than my appearance, such as my personal strengths. I also wrote down the things that I like about my body and sometimes I try to think of more realistic or positive ways of thinking about my body.
I haven't tried this, but I've heard that some people have found it helpful to slowly introduce a food or something else they've been afraid of trying because they are afraid about how they think it could change their appearance. Sometimes, the results can be different to your expectations.
@Hozzles  I really like your point about it being normal for your body to change! My body has changed a lot over the years.

@Bananatime04 such a good tip, it's important to recognize when behaviours may be self-destructive, and when you need to take a break. 

@Bananatime04  I try to stay away from those kinds of sites and accounts too. Those comments can be so triggering. 😞

What resources are available if you are struggling with your body image? How can we support a friend/ourselves struggling with body image?

Um I think the butterfly foundation is the best option for these issues but the web chat queue can take a while. Kids helpline is also available and I’m sure you’re able to use their service for problems with body image, I have 🙂 Oh and reach out!!! Hehe

while helping a friend I think it’s good to remind them of their worth and that their body doesn’t define them as a person, educating yourself with resources and maybe googling how to help someone in this situation as well as giving the person some helplines or helping them get support 🙂 

With helping yourself while struggling with body image I think reaching out for support is the best thing to do before it gets really bad (mine led to an eating disorder because I didn’t tell anyone I was struggling to love myself).

there's lots of resources out there

- your GP

- school counsellor
- eheadspace
- kid's helpline
- the butterfly foundation

- eating disorders victoria

- the national eating disorders collaboration
and many more! 

@ecla34 Hahahah I knew you were a twin but I forgot if you were identical or not, so I decided against name dropping you!  yeah, it's always interesting to see the differences between twins and learn no one is completely the same!