By Dr. Dean Beckloff | Contributor
Many teenagers face challenges with negative body image, often feeling that they don’t meet societal standards regarding their appearance. Issues that may seem minor can become overwhelming for the individual. Unfortunately, this struggle is significant among our adolescents.
When self-esteem issues escalate to a concerning level, it is often labeled as “Body Image Dysmorphia.” This condition is supported by clinical evidence that suggests the need for some form of treatment. Those affected can become obsessed with their perceived physical flaws, leading to severe depression and anxiety. In some cases, these feelings can lead to suicidal thoughts. Such teens require effective intervention and support.
Many of our adolescents are fixated on their physical appearance and worried about perceived imperfections. Why is this? Is it a problem?
It’s common for teenagers to be hyper-focused on various aspects of their lives, particularly regarding peer opinions. This intense scrutiny is a standard but painful part of their development. I recall feeling as though a minor blemish on my face defined my entire appearance, drawing attention from everyone I encountered. Many teens fail to realize that their peers are equally self-absorbed and likely do not notice the blemishes they fret over when they are on someone else.
It’s typical for them to be overly concerned about their inadequacies, with weight often being a significant worry. As my daughters entered their teenage years, I was taken aback to hear them express anxiety about their bodies, frequently asking if they appeared overweight. As a therapist, I tried to bolster their confidence and assure them about their appearance. Unfortunately, my reassurances sometimes fell short, partly because boys and girls receive strong societal messages about their expected body shapes and sizes.
Society burdens our daughters with the misconception that they must embody a particular ideal. Similarly, young men experience pressure regarding body image, fearing they are too small or lack muscularity.
As caring parents, it’s distressing to witness our children grappling with self-doubt. We aspire to protect them from spiraling into self-hatred, which can arise from developmental pressures combined with societal falsehoods.
How do we support them in this battle?
The first step is to acknowledge that a problem exists. Begin by gently discussing the pressures that teens face, highlighting that self-doubt is a normal experience all adolescents endure. Share your own worries and struggles regarding body image, reassuring them that such feelings are common, even if they feel immense. Normalizing these concerns as a typical experience for most teenagers can be beneficial.
Promote open listening to your teen. It’s said that most people listen to respond instead of truly understanding.
Show your teen that you comprehend their feelings by engaging with their thoughts and asking questions that delve deeper into their emotions. Listening with the intent to understand is crucial. Once you establish this connection, provide them with factual information about body diversity. No one is flawless, and everyone possesses unique traits that should not lead to rejection. Encourage healthy habits regarding nutrition, exercise, and overall wellness, but instill in them the belief that they don’t need to be perfect to be valued. Help them recognize the importance of their thoughts in shaping their self-image and guide them to focus on the truth: they are unique, accepted, and hold a vital place in the world as they transition into adulthood.
Focusing on reality is essential—shifting attention away from negative perceptions of perceived flaws.
If your teen seems excessively troubled by these concerns and struggles to move past them, seek guidance from a professional therapist or psychologist. There may be additional underlying issues they need to address. Although this is a prevalent issue, relief is possible, and with the right support, your teen can navigate these challenges effectively. Help your child connect with someone who can assist them in embracing the truth of who they are and recognize their gifts, importance, and role in this world. Ensure they receive the support they need, whether it comes from you or a professional, to help them thrive based on this truth.
About Dean Beckloff, PhD, LPC-S
Dr. Dean Beckloff is the founder of the Beckloff Behavioral Center in Dallas. He specializes in assisting children and families in overcoming life challenges. His expertise includes filial play therapy, family counseling, and parenting support as well as working with children facing emotional or behavioral issues, ADD, Asperger’s Disorder, and other concerns, while also addressing family dynamics related to divorce.
Editor’s Note: For more information or to receive assistance from a licensed professional counselor, please visit the Beckloff Behavioral Health Center at DrBeckloff.com.
About Dr. Dean Beckloff:
Dean Beckloff, PhD, LPC-S is the founder of the Beckloff Behavioral Health Center and the host of the Dr. Dean Show.
About The Beckloff Behavioral Health Center (BBHC):
The BBHC offers a wide array of counseling options for individuals and families throughout the Dallas, TX area, continually expanding services to meet their patients’ needs. Professional services include anxiety therapy, family therapy, divorce counseling, ADHD treatment, and more.
