Body Image

• Definition
  Body Image is what you think about your own body and how you feel about the way you look.
  
  A positive body image means you are mostly comfortable with your body and you feel good about the way you look.
  
  A negative body image means you are mostly unhappy with how you believe your body looks.
  
  How we feel about our bodies can be affected by many things, including:
  
  How we are feeling inside, noticing that our bodies are changing (Puberty)
  An injury, being ill or physically disabled
  When friendships and relationships become stressful
  Positive and negative messages about our bodies from family, friends and people in our local community
  False images and information about how our bodies should look from the media, television, magazines and films about how men and women should and shouldn’t look.
• Signs
  Positive body image:
  
  You see yourself as you really are
  You accept that all bodies are different, including yours
  You appreciate your body and what it can do
  
  Negative body Image:
  
  You are unhappy with how you believe your body looks
  You may feel self-conscious or awkward, and you may feel ashamed about some parts of your body
  You may be unhappy with what your body can or cannot do
  
  It is common to feel this way from time to time but if you have negative thoughts about the way you look or the way think you look most of the time, you may want to talk to someone you trust; a friend, an adult, a teacher, GP or counsellor
• Advice
  There is a lot you can do to improve your body image, even without changing your body.
  
  Remember, body image is not about how you look, but how you feel about the way you look.
  
  Don’t compare yourself to other people
  Ignore mean comments or talk to friends and trusted adults about them
  Talk to someone – YHS Wellbeing Advisor
  Focus on what you like about yourself
  Focus on what you enjoy doing and what you are good at
  Understand that images in the media are false
  Keep Healthy! Regular exercise and healthy food helps to keep your body and your mind healthy.
  Talk to someone you trust: A friend, an adult, a teacher, GP or counsellor.
• Where can i get help?
  In school you can talk to the following people:
  A friend
  Your Tutor
  A YHS Wellbeing Advisor
  Pupil Welfare Officer
  Pastoral Mentor (Drop in sessions Tuesday & Wednesday during break and lunchtime)
  
  In the community:
  Talk to your parents or GP
  Telephone
  
  Childline (Free) 0800 1111
  
  Links:
  Childline
  Be Real Campaign
  York Mind