Our body image is influenced by many factors such as our self-esteem and social/cultural factors.
It’s estimated about 28% of males and 35% of females ages 11-24 years are dissatisfied with their appearance.
Body image may be positive and include feelings of pleasure, satisfaction, appreciation, and acceptance of our body. It could be negative and include feelings of unhappiness, dissatisfaction, and criticism of how we look. Of course, it may also be somewhere in between at any given time.
Our body image is influenced by many factors such as our self-esteem and social/cultural factors, especially the extent to which a person feels pressured to conform to appearance ideals (for example, thin or muscular).
- Beyond Blue - Be You website
For support, online resources and education around eating disorders and body image are listed below.
You’re not in this alone, don’t suffer in silence.
If immediate help is required, call 000
If you are having suicidal thoughts, please talk to someone. The following services are available to you and to family members, carers and friends.
Suicide Call back Service - 1300 659 467
Free, confidential, support 24/7 from trained specialist counsellors (national)
Kids Helpline - 1800 55 1800
Free, confidential support 24/7 for young people under 25 (national)
Lifeline - 13 11 14
Free, confidential support 24/7 13 11 14 for people (national)
Beyond Blue -1300 224 636
Free, confidential support from trained specialist counsellors 24/7
Psychologists
Local psychologists can be found by contacting the Australian Psychological Society on (03) 8662 3300 (toll free 1800 333 497)
Counsellors
Local counsellors can be found by contacting the Australian Counsellors Association on 1300 784 333