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MindMate professionals

Self image

As our bodies develop and we grow up, the changes can feel strange. We can feel pressure from our friends, family and social media – to look or be a certain way.  It is normal to like some bits of the way we look and not other bits.

Are you worried that you spend too much time thinking about how you look? It can be frustrating that you can change some things, like your hair cut – but other bits you can’t.

Social media, TV and magazines can make us compare ourselves to others and feel under pressure to look a certain way. Often the images we see that look ‘perfect’ aren’t even real, and have been altered digitally.


Keeping active and healthy eating are good for your mind and body, but worrying too much about your body shape, or trying to control it through lots of exercise and changes to your diet can do more harm than good.  A positive mental image of who you are is also really important for your overall health.


Some things you might find useful

Body confidence

Interactive site with tips, videos, quizzes, celeb stories and more to help boost your body confidence.

Rise Above

This Girl Can

National campaign to inspire girls and women to get active, no matter how well they do it, how they look or even how red their face gets!

This Girl Can

Worried about an eating disorder?

Eating disorders are not just about food – they can be a way of coping or feeling in control. Find out more here.

Eating disorders

Dealing with low self esteem

Ideas to boost your self esteem from NHS Moodzone.

NHS Moodzone

Body Gossip

Charity that inspires people to be creative and proud their bodies and what makes them unique! Read and share inspiring stories.

Body Gossip

My Body

Read our advice below for help and support dealing with positive self image and looking after your body.

My Body

Are you a parent or carer?

If you’re looking for more information to support a young person you care for with their mental health, visit our parent and carers page.