How to stay body positive

Confined at home with parents during the lockdown, Nithin*, a Class

XII

student in Chennai, has been struggling to stay away from

social

media and mirrors. The 17-year-old, who was diagnosed with Body Dysmorphic Disorder (BDD) at the age of 14, says the lockdown has heightened his body imagerelated issues.

“Scrolling through Instagram and looking at body transformation posts, as well as walking past the mirrors in my room have taken a toll on how I view my body and myself,” says Nithin, adding that he has drastically cut down on his food intake. “I eat a fruit and have a glass of green tea for breakfast, about 30 almonds for lunch, and one roti for dinner and I still haven’t lost much weight.”

For Anandita*, her hyperpigmentation has always caused immense stress. “I have never felt this bad about my skin. When I look at my face these days, I feel irritated. How do these influencers have such perfect and flawless skin?” asks the 24-year-old IT professional.

Anandita says work used to keep her mind busy in pre-pandemic times. “Now, it’s just me in my apartment with my phone,” she says.

Social media influencer Sakshi Sindwani, who prefers being called a ‘stereotype smasher’, shares her journey to becoming body positive on Instagram. “I am able to speak about body positivity today but as a teenager I suffered from BDD, anorexia and even endured a short span of bulimia,” says Sakshi, who wants fashion for curvy women to be normalised. “It starts at home where relatives appreciate weight loss,” says the 25-year-old model, who has been featured in several magazines, including

Vogue

and Harper’s Bazaar, and has more than four lakh followers on Instagram. “I learned not to be bothered by what the world had to say about my weight or curves.”

Sakshi says she has also been practicing affirmations every morning in front of the mirror where she speaks positively to herself. “It works wonders,” she says.

Clinical psychologist Khushali Manikandan says it is important to speak to yourself with kindness. “We tend to slack when at home. Disruption of routine can take a toll on one’s self-esteem and confidence. One tip to overcome BDD during lockdown is to set a routine and be productive,” she says.

Nutritionist Sherene G says overcoming BDD is not just an external process. “You need to understand the root cause of it. For example, weight gain could be because of dietary patterns or hormonal issues,” says Sherene, who suggests seeking medical intervention when necessary. For behavioural psychologist Mini Rao, who has been dealing with body image issues herself, working out and eating healthy have proved helpful. “Having a support system is key to improving one’s body image. Surround yourself with those who motivate and appreciate you. Physically remove yourself from toxic environments,” she says.

(*names changed on request)

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