The Emotional Toll of Following Beauty Standards: Understanding the Impact on ‘Mental Health’
I. Introduction to Beauty Standards
A. Definition of Beauty Standards
What actually is beauty standard you ask? Well first dive into what social media has made us believe. Flawless skin, slim body, perfect curves, tall, lean, lifted face and what not; basically a BARBIE. But let’s be honest we can’t chase all these beauty standards set by the society, as the ‘beauty of being a human is diversity itself’’
B. The Evolution of Beauty Standards
Beauty standards have evolved significantly over the decades. In the 1920s, for example, the flapper style promoted a boyish figure, while the 1950s brought back voluptuousness exemplified by icons like Marilyn Monroe. With the advent of technology and social media, beauty standards have transformed yet again. Today, platforms like Instagram and TikTok fuel a new set of ideals—often creating an endless cycle of comparison.
Unlike traditional beauty ideals, modern standards can shift rapidly; what is “in” one season may be “out” the next. This fluidity is magnified by the influence of digital media, where filters and editing can create unrealistic images, making it even harder for individuals to feel secure in their own body
C. Importance of Discussing Emotional Impact
A healthy mindset is the key to overall wellness. As discussions over mental health is our biggest concern nowadays, it’s important to address how beauty norms affect our psychological state. Our self-esteem often intertwines with how we perceive ourselves in relation to these standards. Exploring the emotional consequences of chasing beauty can unveil profound insights into self-worth and societal pressures.
II. The Psychological Effects of Striving for Beauty
A. Mental Health Issues
The overly exposure of beauty trends on social media, which are often edited to make it look effortlessly perfect and unrealistic and later being called ‘Natural beauty’ is a toxic culture which seems to have no end, if today being slim is a beauty standard, tomorrow it may be being curvy. All these things you see on social media and overhype of something by beauty influencers NOT THE REALITY girls!! But unfortunately, our youth is falling into this trap and facing self doubt, low self esteem, eating disorders like anorexia, feeling anxious about being judged, needing constant validation, as if they are not enough, and chasing the so called PeRfEcTiOn.
B. Social Comparison and Its Dangers
Social media has transformed how we compare ourselves to others. Scrolling through seemingly perfect feeds evokes our feelings of envy and unworthiness. This constant comparison fosters a dangerous cycle where we measure our value against others’ appearances—not realizing that what we see is often a highly curated version of reality. The pressure to gain “likes” leads to further dissatisfaction, as our self-esteem becomes linked to mere numbers on a screen.
C. The Pressure to Conform
The pressure to conform to beauty standards manifests in various ways. From peers to marketing campaigns, the influence surrounding us constantly nudges people to meet certain ideals. Industries like fashion and beauty contribute significantly to this pressure, promoting products that promise transformation. For those who don’t conform, the consequences can be profound. Feelings of alienation, anxiety, and diminished self-worth often ensue, leading to an internal struggle that can feel isolating.
III. The Influence of Media and Advertising
A. Portrayal of Beauty in the Media
Advertising strategies heavily rely on portraying an ideal form of beauty. The ads we see often feature flawless models who wear the latest fashion or beauty products, creating a skewed perception of reality. Celebrities and influencers also play a significant role; the face we see on our screens is far different from reality, they may promote latest beauty trends, but what they do not disclose is their endless shots before presenting themselves on media. And that’s what we compare ourselves from, without realizing the vast difference in reel and reality; their curated lives can distort our understanding of beauty, leading many to feel pressured to resemble them. Case studies have shown that such portrayals can result in diminished self-esteem among vulnerable audiences, particularly teenagers and young women.
B. Representation and Diversity
A notable issue within traditional media is the lack of diversity in representing different body types, ethnicities, and identities. This lack of representation negatively affect those who do not see themselves reflected in the media. Although movements advocating for broader definitions of beauty have emerged, emphasizing that all bodies and identities deserve to be celebrated. These movements aim to make a meaningful impact by shifting how society perceives beauty.
C. The Role of Digital Influences
Digital platforms have transformed the beauty landscape dramatically. With the rise of filters and digital editing, the portrayal of beauty has become increasingly OVEREXAGGERATED. These “perfect” visuals can lead to detrimental effects on self-perception and self-worth, with many feeling inadequate when they compare their unfiltered selves to edited images. The consequences of unrealistic portrayals may include heightened anxiety, depression, and a diminished sense of self.
IV. What can we do as a society?
I know we all must have heard the line, ‘You are beautiful just the way you are’ till now once in our lives. But did it make any impact?
Well we all know the answer…
Beauty is a diverse topic, its not just limited till our looks, but how we perceive things, our personality and even OUR FLAWS. Yes you heard it right, social media may have made us believe that flaws aren’t the ‘ideal’ thing to look for, but even our flaws has our own uniqueness.
Lets just not perceive beauty as some set standard but in a much more realistic way. Being healthy is Flawless, being happy within yourself, your body is what truly shapes YOU.
You DO NOT have to starve yourself and eat overly just to meet a silly standard. Because YOU are the Standard, just how you are.
We often confuse self improvement as negatively viewing ourselves. It just simply means making a better version of yourself without hating your present self. So let’s promote a healthier and real version of beauty instead of unrealistic standard. And not to make anyone feel insecure about themselves, because Its just a reflection of your own insecurity.
V. Pathways to Healing and Self-Acceptance
A. Promoting Body Positivity
The body positivity movement advocates for loving and accepting all body types, regardless of shape, size, or appearance. Key strategies for fostering body positivity include celebrating diversity, practicing self-kindness, and reframing negative self-talk. Engaging with a community that shares these values can significantly reinforce positive self-image, promoting a sense of belonging.
B. Mental Health Resources
Seeking professional help is essential for those grappling with mental health issues which is not a shame, but a pride and a step for self improvement. Finding support groups focused on body positivity or participating in therapy can provide individuals with tools to navigate their feelings surrounding beauty standards. Additionally, prioritizing self-care and mental wellness—whether through mindfulness practices, creative outlets, or physical activity—can aid in fostering a healthier relationship with oneself.
VI. Conclusion and Summary
The emotional toll caused by adhering to beauty standards can have profound implications for mental health. Understanding the broader impacts of these societal pressures is crucial in advocating for acceptance and self-love. Let’s cherish our diversities and work together towards a culture that values and recognizes beauty in all its forms.
Call to Action: IT’S NOT OUR DIFFERENCES THAT DIVIDES US, BUT OUR INABILITY TO CELEBRATE THOSE DIFFERENCES THAT DIVIDES US. As human beings its our duty to support others, and try to spread positivity, but most importantly ACCEPT OURSELVES.
- #Anxiety
- #Depression
- #Detachment
- #eleutheriazo
- #MentalHealthAwareness
- #MentalHealthSupport
- #PersonalGrowth
- #PositiveChange
- #SelfCare
- #SelfImprovement
- #Selflove
Leave a Comment