Negative body image can impact anyone, regardless of gender or circumstance. Media and societal pressures to conform to unattainable standards are unavoidable. Unconsciously, we internalize these messages and experience discontent with our appearances. Body trends come and go; the 'perfect body' is an ever-changing and increasingly unrealistic standard. When living with a chronic illness, where one has little control over the state of their appearance, it is very common to experience negative body image. Achieving genuine self-love is a difficult process for anyone, but individuals with chronic illnesses and disabilities face an extra set of body image challenges.
Society values youth, beauty, fitness, and 'flawlessness'. As a result of these standards, our culture underrepresents individuals with disabilities, physical challenges, chronic illnesses, and bodily 'imperfections'. The media very rarely positively and accurately depicts disability and illness, so those of us who face physical disabilities have very few relatable body-positive role models. The bodies of people who face physical challenges often have traits that are ignored or shamed in the media. In order to be more inclusive to people from all walks of life, media needs people to step up and proudly represent scars, mobility aids, medical equipment, and other characteristics of illness and physical challenges. The body positive movement that has recently gained traction often ignores chronic illness. This movement has made great strides in increasing awareness of eating disorders, encouraging acceptance of body size diversity, and erasing stigma surrounding stretch marks and cellulite. However, the work is not nearly finished; not until every body difference and unique trait is acknowledged and accepted on a broader scale. Even when changes of body representation in the media are enacted, body image and acceptance are still deeply personal processes. The journey to self-love looks different for everyone and does not happen overnight. In order to accept your body, you must first accept who you are. The relationship you have with yourself is one of the most important relationships that you will have in this life; like any other relationships, you face a unique set of challenges. Every person experiences body changes, but individuals with chronic illness and disabilities may experience drastic, frequent, and uncontrollable changes within their bodies. The lack of control over your appearance makes it even more crucial that you love who you are, no matter what the state of your body is. Everyone, regardless of their physical condition, has a unique internal ability and an individual set of qualities that deserve to be embraced and celebrated. At the end of the day, we are so much more than our bodies. My personal journey to self-love and positive body images is an ongoing processes. I am very proud of the progress I have made and, overall, I have gained the tools to accept the changes that my body goes through as a result of my condition. Each surgery has permanently altered my body in not-so-insignificant ways. My stomach has undergone the most changes as a result of my surgeries. I used to have a lot of insecurity resulting from my stomach and weight, but when I began to fall in love with my soul, I began to see myself as more than just a body. My scars tell a story, the dark circles under my eyes speak of painful nights that I still have the strength to wake up from, and my weight reflects the challenges I face and fight every day. Despite my body-positive victories, I still experience setbacks, I still get angry, and I still cry when I look in the mirror sometimes. I have days when the comments about my weight that I usually just brush off keep me awake at night. I have days where I hate how tired and weak I look. Body positivity isn't linear, but when you develop a better relationship with your soul, the frustration and struggles with your body can and will be overcome. It's okay to not be okay, and struggling is not a sign of weakness or defeat. So, how do I cope with moments of bad body images along the journey to self love? I meditate, I try to live in the moment and appreciate the beauty of the world around me. I count my blessings, I distract myself with things that I enjoy. Most importantly, I try to surround myself with people who love me for me. People who see me more as more than just a body; people who I connect on a deep level. When choosing company, I have learned the value of quality over quantity. In good relationships, both people focus on supporting and building each other up. A good partner, friend, or family member will look at you as more than just your condition or disability. Accept the love you deserve, and that includes the love you give yourself.
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AuthorWelcome to Sickness and Society! I'm Jenna Lee, and I hope to work to create an open dialogue about chronic illness that leads to change about how society views illness. Archives
November 2017
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