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Body image
Accept yourself as you are and feel good about your body.
We're all different. We come from different backgrounds and different cultures. We like different things and have different beliefs. And we also all have different body shapes and sizes!
Healthy body image
What do you think when you look in the mirror? Are you happy with what you see or do you spend ages worrying about whether you look the way you ‘should’?
Don’t get hung up on your body. It takes all sorts to make the world. There are millions of different types so accept yourself as you are. With all the bodily changes (and life changes) taking place during your teens and early twenties it’s easy to become obsessed with how you look. Your body goes through a lot of changes and all these hormones whizzing around can really affect your moods.
It can be really hard if you are developing faster or slower than your friends but, remember that everyone develops at a different rate. In the long run, it makes no difference when you start and it won't affect what you will be like as an adult. This body stuff is not a competition. Try to relax but if you are really worried talk to your parents, friends or someone that you trust.
Remember: you are who you are: there is no one in the world just like you, which makes every one of us different. Each of us has a purpose, our own skills and talents, our own ambitions for life and our own sense of who we want to be.
So you don’t have to follow trends to be ‘cool’ or to be part of the ‘in crowd’. Just because a singer, movie star, or even friends want you to look or act like them or do what they do doesn’t mean you have too.
You can be an individual, wear what clothes you want and choose whatever accessories you wish. As long as you feel happy with yourself that’s all that counts.
Don’t let others put you down and try to change you. They’re not you! They don’t feel what you feel. You live your life and let them get on with theirs and just be happy with yourself and enjoy being your individual self.
See the help section for supportive information and contacts details of support organisations.
