All You Need to Know

• I'm worried about how I look

  So are most people at some stage in their lives.

  Try to focus on the parts of your body that you do like and spend time with people who make you feel good about yourself.

  If you're regularly worrying about your looks, don't bottle it up, as this can make it into a bigger problem - speak to someone you trust about it.

  As long as it's within safe limits, exercise can be a great way to help you feel better about yourself. Try activities you enjoy, like dancing, playing sport or riding your bike.

• I don't look as good as other people

  It can be really hard not to compare your body to others, such as your friends or images you see online or in magazines.

  Quite often these images have been digitally changed to make them look 'perfect' - when you look in a mirror it doesn't do that.

  If you're on social media, don't follow accounts that make you feel bad about your body.

  Try to accept your body as it is - it's important to remember your body is unique, it's yours, so look after it and love it. 

  If you're feeling pressure to look like other people and you don't feel like you measure up, talk to someone about it.

• How can I help a friend who is struggling with their body image?

  It can be hard to know what to say, but you could start by talking about what you like about them - it doesn't have to about be their physical appearance.

  You could write a list of their good points together, so they can keep it and look at it when they're struggling.

  Talk about what they are viewing online - is there anything that makes them feel worse about themselves? If there is, replace it with something more positive.

  If you're worried about them and you think they are getting overwhelmed by their body image, encourage them to speak to their GP for help.

• How do I know if I have a body image problem?

  Plenty of people worry about how they look and that's completely normal, but sometimes it can develop into something more serious.

  You might spend a lot of time worrying about an area of your body; you might look at yourself in mirrors a lot, or avoid mirrors completely; you might try very hard to hide an area of your body you're not happy with; or you might pick at your skin to try and make it smoother.

  All of these things can be a sign that you have Body Dysmorphic Disorder (BDD). This can be treated and you should see your GP if you think you might have BDD. There are also support groups which can give you information and advice.

  If your body image is making you feel anxious or depressed, or if you have started restricting or changing your eating because you are trying to change the way you look, you should always get help.