Depression

Lady shares her personal story

Dear friends,

I wanted to share a personal story with you today that has had a profound impact on my life. A few years ago, I was struggling with depression. It started with a few negative comments about my appearance from friends and family. At first, I brushed them off, but over time, they started to chip away at my self-esteem.

I began to see myself as not good enough, not pretty enough and too fat as they would say. I started comparing myself to others and feeling unworthy. And before I knew it, I was caught in a cycle of negative thoughts and self-destructive behaviours. I stopped taking care of myself, stopped socializing, and stopped enjoying life. I was trapped in a dark and lonely place.

It wasn't until I sought help from a therapist who was introduced to me by a friend whom I met online. She made me realize the root of my depression was body shaming. I had internalized all of the negative comments and beliefs about my appearance, and they were consuming me….

End of story…

Body shaming, or the practice of criticizing or mocking someone's body size or shape, is a common and harmful experience. It can happen to anyone, at any age, and it can have serious consequences on our mental health and well-being. Studies have shown that body shaming is associated with a range of negative outcomes, including depression, anxiety, low self-esteem, disordered eating, and unhealthy weight loss behaviours.

One of the reasons body shaming is so damaging is because it often involves othering or the practice of treating someone as inferior or different because of their appearance. This can lead to feelings of isolation, self-loathing, and a sense of not belonging. It can also fuel a cycle of self-blame and self-hatred, as we internalize the negative messages and start to believe them.

But please know that you are not alone and that there is hope for healing. If you are struggling with body shaming or any other form of self-destructive behaviour, it is important to reach out for help. Talk to a friend, a family member, or a therapist. Seek support and understanding from people who care about you and want to help.

There are many potential causes of depression, including genetics, brain chemistry, life events, and certain medical conditions. Some common contributing factors include:

• Trauma or abuse

• Loss of a loved one

• Chronic stress

• Substance abuse

• Medical conditions such as hypothyroidism or vitamin deficiencies

• Family history of depression

Depression is a treatable condition, and there are a variety of treatment options available. These may include therapy, medication, or a combination of the two. Some common therapies for depression include cognitive-behavioural therapy (CBT), interpersonal therapy, and dialectical behaviour therapy (DBT). Antidepressant medications, such as selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) or tricyclic antidepressants, can also be effective in treating depression.

Depression can have a serious impact on mental health and overall well-being. It can interfere with daily functioning, relationships, and quality of life. It can also increase the risk of other mental health issues, such as anxiety or substance abuse, as well as physical health problems, such as heart disease or stroke.

One of the most powerful things you can do to combat body shaming is to challenge and reframe the negative thoughts and beliefs that are holding you back. This can be difficult, especially if you have been hearing these messages for a long time, but it is possible. Some strategies you can try include:

• Writing down the negative thoughts and finding evidence to challenge them. For example, if you believe that you are not good enough because you are not thin enough, try to find evidence to the contrary. Maybe you have other qualities or accomplishments that make you a good person. Maybe you have supportive friends and family who love you for who you are.

• Focusing on self-care and self-acceptance. This can involve practising self-compassion, engaging in activities that bring you joy, and setting boundaries with people who are not supportive or understanding.

• Seeking out positive role models and mentors who embody the qualities and values you admire. These can be people in your life or people in the media who inspire you.

• Surrounding yourself with supportive and accepting people who value and respect you. This can involve building new friendships, joining a support group, or finding a community of like-minded individuals.

• Engaging in activities that promote self-esteem and self-worth. These can include exercise, creative pursuits, volunteering, or learning new skills.

I know that overcoming body shaming and depression is not easy, but it is possible. It requires time, patience, and persistence, but the rewards are worth it. You deserve to live a happy and fulfilling life, free from negative thoughts and beliefs about your body. You are worthy, deserving, and capable of love and happiness, just as you are.

If you are struggling with depression or body shaming, please don't hesitate to reach out for help. There are many resources available, including therapists, support groups, and online communities. You don't have to go through this alone.

Please note that there is a difference between depression and sadness.

Sadness is a normal emotion that everyone experiences in response to difficult or disappointing situations. It is usually temporary and resolves on its own or with the support of others. Depression, on the other hand, is a persistent and severe mood disorder that can interfere with daily life and cause feelings of hopelessness, worthlessness, and loss of interest or pleasure in activities.

Remember, it is never too late to start healing and rebuilding your self-esteem. Take the first step today.

With love and support,

Abdussamad