Every year, Oct 10^th is observed as World Mental Health Day which aims to raise awareness of mental health issues and promote mental health education and advocacy against social stigma. The theme of this year’s World Mental Health Day is “Mental health is a universal human right”.

Our emotional and physical health are intertwined. Currently, one in eight people worldwide has mental health issues, negatively impacting physical health, overall well-being, interpersonal connections, and work capacity. Mental health problems are increasingly affecting teenagers and young people. In the human experience, body image and mental health are closely linked, painting a picture of complete wellness. Various psychologists have defined the mind-body connection and the positive and negative impacts body image can have on one’s mental health. 

Today, as we observe Mental Health Day globally, let us discuss the connection between body image and mental health in detail and how the younger generation is falling into this trap.

The Mind-Body Connection: Positive & Negative Body Image

Mental health is a state in which a person knows strengths and weaknesses, deals with everyday problems, works well, and gives back to their community. It is the foundation of a happy, fulfilling life. Both body image and mental health have positive and negative effects on each other, making them two inseparable components to observe to assess the well-being of a person.

According to psychologists, your body image represents your thoughts, opinions, and beliefs regarding your physical look and functionality. The mirror reflects you, even when societal standards and internal criticism might occasionally affect reality. 

Positivity about your appearance (body positivity) sows the seeds of self-worth and acceptance and can boost your confidence level. On the other hand, a negative body image can make you feel unhappy and insecure about how you look and may lead to low self-esteem, trouble socializing, and mental health issues.

Factors that Influence a Person's Body Image:

Your mental health and general well-being can be significantly affected by how you consider yourself. Most people perceive their bodies poorly and are quite unsatisfied with their appearance. 

Here are some factors that contribute to how a person perceives their body image:

1. Specific trends: We all like to follow newer trends; whether it is trendy baggy jeans or Korean-themed skincare to get the best compliments and looks. This also reflects the concept of FOMO – fear of missing out, mostly among GEN Z’s! They feel that they must adjust and adapt more to what the community perceives as the ideal way of living.

2. Comparison with others: People frequently copy others around them because they believe that they should or wish to be similar to them. Being self-conscious about having a different body image might lead people to strive to fit into others they perceive as more fortunate or superior in general.

3. Media representations: The cultural and cinematic representation of body image has made people rely on specific beauty standards & body perception of what is an ideal body image. This results in an obsession to get the perfect shape or look. 

Many people also try to imitate their role models (favorite singer, actor, or model) based on what they see on various mediums. With the current social media craze, there is severe insecurity to be seen among teenagers about their appearance. 

4. Appearance-related remarks: Getting bullied in school or appearance-related teasing can take a toll on emotional well-being and lead to greater body dissatisfaction. Similarly, being praised for having a specific body image can also pressure you to maintain that ideal body type accepted by society.

Effect of Body Image on Mental Health:

Mental health issues like body image disorder and appearance dissatisfaction show the significant influence on one's mental health. These pressures may be significant, especially in India, where traditional and modern aesthetics coexist. Studies have shown that negative body image can cause low self-esteem, depression, anxiousness, and eating disorders, among others.

Anxiety and depression: A poor body image can harbour lasting emotions of sorrow, nervousness, and self-doubt. A vicious cycle of body image issues and growing depression results from the discontent that grows from the beginnings of body dissatisfaction. This dissatisfaction frequently triggers depressive episodes.

Reduced social interactions: People often find themselves caught in the bonds of social isolation if they fear being judged or made fun of because of their looks. A negative feedback loop between failing mental health and deteriorating body image is created by this withdrawal from social connection, which worsens mental health.

Eating disorders: A risky path towards unhealthy eating behaviours can develop from pursuing the "ideal body," an illusion frequently fueled by sociocultural myths. Disorders like binge eating disorder, bulimia nervosa, and anorexia nervosa exemplify the evil conclusion of body dissatisfaction.

Overcoming Body Negativity:

Here is how you can help yourself to feel more positive about your body image:

• Challenge negative thoughts about appearance and embrace your body for the things it does to keep you healthy. Treat your body with the love and respect it deserves. Get enough sleep, eat healthy foods, stay hydrated, and exercise regularly.
• Accept the fact that everyone is different, and that's what makes the world so interesting. See the unique qualities you have. Listen to body-positive talks and engage in body-positive conversations with friends. 
• Be mindful of the images you see on social media and in the media, and how those images make you feel about your appearance. Because there are chances that what you see online is edited and altered to enhance the look. 
• Don’t judge other people's appearances. This will help you to treat yourself with compassion and have a non-judgmental outlook. Be aware of the way you speak with friends and peers relating to their bodies.
• Set healthy boundaries. If you do want to make changes to your appearance, do so in a healthy way. Avoid diets and plastic surgery. Focus on things that will make you feel good, like exercise and eating healthy foods. Don't pay attention to the weight scale. Unfollow social media accounts that make you feel insecure about your appearance.
• Lastly, reach out to your doctor or local mental health centre if you feel you are experiencing a mental health problem due to extreme body negativity.

Good mental health is a vital human right that belongs to everyone. Everyone has a right to the highest degree of mental health, regardless of who they are or where they are. This includes the right to protection for one's mental health, the right to easily accessible, acceptable care, and the right to liberty, independence, and social integration. This World Mental Health Day, let's take care of our mental health!