Why do I feel weird about my body?
One day you're chilling, feeling okay, and the next, you look in the mirror and think, "Whoa, what's happening?" Suddenly, you're picking apart every little thing, feeling super uncomfortable in your own skin. If you've been feeling weird about your body lately, you're not alone. This kind of shift in how you see yourself is really common, especially during your teen years.
Your body is going through a lot of changes right now. Puberty is a wild ride, and it makes sense that your appearance is shifting. You might be growing taller, gaining weight in new places, or developing in ways that feel totally unfamiliar. It’s a lot to process when your body decides to redecorate itself without asking you first.
Sometimes, this "weird" feeling goes deeper. You might be experiencing something called body dysmorphia. This is when you fixate on perceived flaws in your appearance that are often minor or even invisible to others. It’s like your brain plays tricks on your eyes, making you see things differently or more intensely than they actually are. This can be really distressing and impact your daily life.
Social media definitely doesn't help either. We're constantly bombarded with images of "perfect" bodies, filtered selfies, and curated lives. It's tough not to compare yourself, even though you know deep down that those images aren't always real. This constant comparison can chip away at your self-esteem and make you feel like your own body isn't good enough.
It's also a time when weight changes can happen, and society puts a lot of pressure on how we look. Whether you're gaining weight, losing it, or just seeing your shape shift, all of it can feel like a lot of pressure. Remember, your weight doesn't define your worth or your health.
So, what can you do when you feel this way? Practice self-care that focuses on what your body does for you, not just how it looks. Move your body in ways that feel good. Eat foods that nourish you. And try to limit your social media scroll if it's making you feel worse. Most importantly, if these feelings are really impacting your happiness or daily life, it's worth talking to a trusted adult or a mental health professional. You deserve to feel comfortable and confident in your own skin.
