Body image isn’t just how we look—it’s how we feel about how we look. It’s the mental picture we carry of our own appearance, combined with the beliefs and emotions tied to it. For some, this image can be a source of self-assurance; for others, it becomes a point of discomfort or anxiety.
Our perception of our bodies doesn’t form in a vacuum. It’s shaped by a mix of early experiences, family influences, cultural messaging, peer relationships—and now more than ever, by what we see online. A scroll through Instagram’s polished feeds or TikTok’s trending beauty tips can set an impossible standard, making it easy to question our own appearance.
And since body image is tightly linked to self-esteem, a negative self-image can fuel feelings of inadequacy and lead to a whole host of mental health struggles.
