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Misty Mountain Family Counseling Center |
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Specialized counseling for women’s issues in Portland, Oregon |
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Body Image/Eating Disorders and Self Esteem |
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“Body image involves our perception, imagination, emotions, and physical sensations of and about our bodies. It is not static- but ever changing; sensitive to changes in mood, environment, and physical experience. It is not based on fact. It is psychological in nature, and much more influenced by self-esteem than by actual physical attractiveness as judged by others. It is not inborn, but learned. This learning occurs in the family and among peers, but these only reinforce what is learned and expected culturally.” Judy Lightstone According to US estimates from The National Institute of Mental Health, approximately 5-10% of girls and women (numbering up to 10 million) are suffering from a diagnosed eating disorders and 1 million boys and men suffer from eating disorders, including anorexia, bulimia, binge eating disorder, or other associated dietary conditions. Some research shows that 80% of women are dissatisfied with their body! (National Eating Disorders Association). Women are bombarded with messages all around them of what their body is suppose to look like and if they don’t fit this often unrealistic image, this can lead to increased mental and physical health problems. Body image is something women are dealing with today, even if they aren’t diagnosed with an eating disorder. The good news is that counseling can be effective in improving both body image and self esteem. Counseling can be helpful by increasing self efficacy and contentment through exploration and by learning helpful coping skills that will support mental, physical, and spiritual wellness. To find out what your body image I.Q. is click here, then click on Body Image: Your Body Your Self |
