What to do if I don’t like my body? 

Why don’t I feel comfortable in my body ? 

 
It’s normal to not always feel good in your body. The relationship we have with our own bodies changes constantly. How we relate to it is influenced by many things. So, there are many reasons that can explain why we may not feel comfortable in our own skin sometimes:

 

• Periods of stress   

• Hormonal changes (puberty and physical changes) 

• Social events that can lead to comparing or social pressure (i.e. : prom, dinner with friends, etc.) 

• The influence of people around us (friends who talk about their appearance often or parents who are critical of their own bodies)

What can be done to develop a good relationship with my body? 

• Write a list of 10 enjoyable things your body allows you to do: dance, travel, smell perfume you like, enjoy a warm bath, etc.  

 

• Clean up your social media. Follow accounts that make you feel good (and avoid those that cause you to compare or doubt yourself). 

 

• Take care of yourself : eat enough, sleep enough, and do activities you appreciate. 

 

• Choose what you tell yourself. Sometimes, the messages we hear aren’t in line with our own values or what we want to think about ourselves. Choose how you talk about your body. You can write down a phrase that inspires you somewhere you can see it every day (for example, setting it as a background image, on your mirror, or in your locker at school). You can write one yourself or get inspired by the following ideas: 
   

  • My value does not depend on my appearance. 

  • My body is strong and healthy. 

  • Thank you, body, for allowing me to experience good things! 

  • My body is imperfectly perfect! 

  • My body allows me to take advantage of life, see friends, go where I want. 

  • One day at a time, I have confidence. 

  • My body is my ally, not my enemy. 

  • I am enough, just the way I am. 

  • I value myself for who I am, not what society expects from me.
     

• Prioritize discussions that don’t focus on appearances: some people have a tendency to often talk about their looks and weight. These kinds of discussion can influence you and cause you to doubt yourself. In the same way your self-talk can influence you, so can the way the people around you talk too. 

How do I know my negative thoughts have taken over?  

Not loving your body is something many people go through at one point or another. It’s important to recognize when those thoughts have gone too far and are persisting over time. When self-criticism becomes overwhelming, you could experience: 
 

• Shame, sadness, or anger 

• A lack of motivation or concentration 

• The urge to isolate yourself (for example, avoiding outings with friends) 

• Anxiety  

• Eating disorders 

• Suicidal thoughts 

If you recognize yourself in these feelings, behaviours and states, it may be a sign to ask for help.
 

Important to know: many people have gotten through similar situations. It’s possible to improve your relationship with your body!  

What to do if I need help? 

If you think you are suffering from an eating disorder, visit this page for tips and resources : Eating disorders. Vous can also contact 811 (option 2) by phone to learn about resources related to your situation. 

ANEB is also an organization that offers services that may interest you. 

 
If you have suicidal thoughts and you want to speak to a responder, contact the Quebec suicide prevention services at:
 

• 1 866 277-3553

• Suicide.ca (chat)

• 53 53 53 (text)
   

These services are free, confidential, and available 24/7.
 

If you’re worried about your mental health, several resources are available to you.
 

• Tel jeunes 

• Kids Help Phone 

• Mental health self-assessment tool: this self-assessment will provide details on different aspects of your mental health. You can even share results with a counsellor as needed. It will take about 30 minutes to complete.