{"id":26353,"date":"2014-12-26T06:00:16","date_gmt":"2014-12-26T14:00:16","guid":{"rendered":"http:\/\/www.goodtherapy.org\/blog\/?p=26353"},"modified":"2014-12-16T16:02:53","modified_gmt":"2014-12-17T00:02:53","slug":"best-of-2014-goodtherapy-orgs-top-10-websites-for-body-image-issues","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.goodtherapy.org\/blog\/best-of-2014-goodtherapyorgs-top-10-websites-for-body-image-issues-1226147","title":{"rendered":"Best of 2014: GoodTherapy.org\u2019s Top 10 Websites for Body Image Issues"},"content":{"rendered":"

\"Body-Image\"Body image<\/a>, your internalized sense of your physical shape and appearance, isn\u2019t just about confidence<\/a>, nor is it an issue reserved exclusively for teenagers<\/a>. Negative body image affects people of all ages, genders, and races, and is intricately linked to a host of mental health concerns, including eating disorders<\/a>, low self-esteem<\/a>, shame<\/a>, isolation<\/a>, anxiety<\/a>, and depression<\/a>.<\/p>\n

Although it\u2019s quite normal to feel some dissatisfaction regarding aspects of your body or appearance, if such self-criticism<\/a> dominates your thoughts, limits your overall life satisfaction, or otherwise affects your school, work, relationships, or ability to function in a healthy way on a day-to-day basis, seeking help is imperative. Persistent negative body image can set the stage for serious mental and physical health complications, including body dysmorphia (sometimes referred to as \u201cimagined ugliness\u201d), compulsions and avoidance behaviors, and even suicidal ideation<\/a>.<\/p>\n

Eating disorders are of particular concern among people with body image issues, as they can be life threatening if left untreated. Anorexia nervosa<\/a>, in fact, has the highest mortality rate of any psychiatric condition. Widely misunderstood and mischaracterized as a phase or lifestyle choice, eating disorders\u2014also including bulimia nervosa<\/a> and binging<\/a> and purging<\/a>\u2014are strongly linked to body dissatisfaction.<\/p>\n

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When it comes to body image, the elephants in the room, of course, are the unavoidable media and advertising messages that permeate our culture. Television, movies, magazines, websites, and other forms of media peddle unrealistic and often unhealthy standards, and younger people can be especially susceptible to the suggestion that these images reflect an ideal. In one study, 69% of American elementary school girls who look at magazines said the images they contained influenced their concept of the ideal body, and 47% said the images made them want to lose weight.<\/p>\n

Addressing body image issues is complicated, but seeking the help of a qualified therapist<\/a> is a highly recommended step. For our part, we\u2019ve compiled a list of the 10 best online resources for body image issues and support\u2014GoodTherapy.org excluded\u2014in 2014. Our selections are based on quality and depth of content, presentation, and functionality.<\/p>\n