How do I stop struggling with body image?

[crazycactus242]

I’ve always struggled with body image, even though I’m a healthy average 18 year old girl. I compare myself to other girls I see, I constantly feel ugly and I don’t even know why. I just worry that I’m not skinny enough or pretty enough no matter how much makeup I wear, clothes I buy, or workouts I do, I never truly feel like im good enough. I currently have a new boyfriend and I honestly am so self conscious around him I don’t even know why, he loves me for me and calls me beautiful every day, but for some reason im insecure because I find it super difficult to just love myself.

[loveslongnails]

In the space of two paragraphs, you said "I don't even know why" twice and "for some reason I'm insecure". The answer to your question of how do you stop struggling with body image, or anything else where you don't feel good enough, lies in finding the answer to WHY you are insecure. Why do you think you're "less than"? Where did it come from in your upbringing and WHY do you still feed it and believe it?

People can guess all day and say maybe it was negative parental reinforcement. Maybe you bought into all the bs about "what's beautiful" from magazines, TV, movies, social media, seeing other girls, etc. Obviously you've convinced yourself that all those other things which you are not IS what's beautiful, or IS what matters. And it isn't. I looked at your profile pic and thought "geez, you're freaking beautiful! What are you TALKING about?" I know the answer to that - it's your fears and insecurity talking.

Go see an expert in the field, a counselor, and get to the ROOT causes so you can eliminate them. "I don't know why" is a non-answer, and technically, it's a lie. You DO know why, and in fact, you're probably the ONLY one who knows why but you've buried it. Oh, and when your boyfriend says he loves you for you, as you are, take it to heart and believe him.

[Sevenpointfive]

ok. so a little depression and body dismorphia. that's so common especially as a teenager. you aren't done changing and learning. and guys like you even though you don't. i'd probably talk to a counselor at school to get some direction. you might need some medication

[BagoH]

Stop comparing yourself to others , understand that you must develop value from within as an individual. Cultivate virtue , morals, and a strong sense of self. You will never be somebody else but yourself. Self acceptance and compassion is the way.

[Anonymous]

do you ever sit down and write things down that you like about yourself? and give yourself a big pat on the back whenever you do something positive for someone else. Maybe if you keep track of positive stuff like this, it'll help you start liking yourself from the inside out? Worked for me.

[mark000h]

It's common for girls. You should get some counseling and avoid social media. You are just as pretty and unique as everyone else.

[Wise4myage]

First off, stop comparing yourself to other girls, because that is a dead end street. Second, do things that make you happy and feel good about yourself. Congrats on the new boyfriend, he obviously find you attractive, right?

[EaterPeter]

Kind loving meditation you tune one month every day. I am good enough. I am attractive enough positive affirmations. Make your own affirmations and use them

[Anonymous]

Find a guy who loves you for you not just the outside shell. And if you decide to just be obsessed with THAT then nobody can help you. Have a nice life.

[UncleBilll]

It looks like you got nice boobs, pretty smile, if you give head great, he should love you forever

[jjj101010]

It must be difficult when u feel like that. But from what I can see u r pretty

[Cubus]

You are skinny. Don't worry about it.