Self image

It is very common to feel pressure from our friends, family and social media to look or be a certain way, and it is normal to like some bits of our bodies and not others.

It's sometimes frustrating, too, that you can change some things about yourself easily, like your hair cut – but not other parts.

Why do we feel pressure to look a certain way?

Social media, TV and magazines can make us compare ourselves to others and feel under pressure to look a particular way.

Even though we know that the images we see on social media have often been filtered, and photos in magazines have been altered digitally, it can be hard not to feel pressure to be 'perfect'.

Keeping active and healthy eating are good for your mind and body, but worrying too much about your body shape, or trying to control it through lots of exercise and changes to your diet can do more harm than good.

A positive mental image of who you are is also really important for your overall health.

You might also find these helpful...

Low self esteem (NHS Moodzone)

We all have times when we don't feel good about ourselves but long-term low self esteem can have a harmful effect

Looking beyond your online image (YoungMinds blog)

A YoungMinds blogger talks about online pressures – and embracing imperfections

Eating disorders

Eating problems can sometimes arise from a need to try and achieve an unrealistic body image – find out more about the support available here