Body Image, Self-Esteem and Self-Worth

Body image refers to an individual’s perception of, and attitudes towards their own body. It encompasses how you see yourself when you look in the mirror, what you believe about your own appearance, how you feel about your body and how you physically experience your body.

Having a healthy body image is an important part of our mental health and wellbeing. People with a negative body image are more likely to suffer from low self-worth, low self-esteem, feelings of depression, isolation, anxiety and develop unhealthy coping skills such as substance misuse or obsessions with diets and weight loss.  

In a society dominated by social media, unrealistic body expectations, ableist attitudes and relentless consumerism it’s no wonder you’re feeling overwhelmed and doubting your self-worth. We here at the Guild want to affirm to each and every one of you just how fantastic your bodies are!  

Here are just a few of the amazing things your body can do – laid end to end, an adult’s blood vessels could circle Earth’s equator four times! Information zooms along our nerves at about 400kmph! Humans are the only species known to blush! And finally, our bodies give off a tiny amount of light that’s too weak for the eye to see – yes that’s right, we actually glow! So keep shining like the bright star you are and if you are feeling really down we really encourage you to be kind to yourself and look at building up your self-worth by engaging in activities like the one’s listed here.

Young Minds also have a lot of support on Body Image and we encourage you to have a look through their pages of support.

The Mix also host a lot of thought-provoking and peer inspired information and advice.

If you are struggling and feel like you could benefit from some extra support the University Wellbeing Services are here to support you as well as your GP.  

If you feel you could you use some more support you can visit the National Centre for Eating Disorders for more information or book an appointment with a qualified counsellor.