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Body Image Issues and Self Esteem  

Sep 8, 2025

With the upcoming school year fast approaching, many kids are feeling the pressure, not just academically, but also when it comes to body image. The first day of school can be nerve-wracking: choosing the right outfit, worrying about how you’ll look, and hoping to fit in. These body image and self-esteem struggles don’t just affect school-aged children either, they’re challenges that many adults continue to face throughout their lives. 

Struggling with body image can consume you. It has the potential to damage mental well-being and affect many aspects of your life. Contrary to popular belief, and to most people’s perspectives, body image and self-esteem challenges are not solely a “female issue.” The truth is, men often struggle with these issues more than we realize, it’s just that these struggles aren’t as often talked about publicly.  

When you’re unhappy with your body image, you may start to feel depressed and become more isolated because you don’t feel comfortable leaving the house or taking part in social situations. Looking in the mirror, or seeing yourself in photos, can start to become triggering and deeply upsetting. Sometimes, a picture captures a joyful moment, but you can’t see the happiness because you’re too focused on what you dislike about your appearance. 

When that happens, it’s easy to forget all the wonderful things that make you an incredible person, the qualities you have, the kindness you offer, the ways you make the world better. Poor body image can chip away at your self-esteem, and when self-esteem drops, so does confidence. You might walk with your head down, feel that everyone else is “better” than you, and convince yourself you’re not good enough. 

As someone who has wrestled with this for most of my life, I’ve put together a list of things that have helped me get through the worst of it. Some days are still better than others, and learning to love yourself is often a long process. But hopefully, these tips can be a starting point to help you take a step in the right direction.  

One of the things that has helped me the most is writing down one thing each day that I love about myself. I chose to do this on a big poster board that I kept on my bedroom wall. I started by drawing a simple stick figure of myself in the middle, and every morning I would add something new to the board. Some were physical characteristics I appreciated, and others were about my personality or traits I valued. Before I knew it, the board was full, and I had a daily reminder of just how amazing I really am. 

Another thing I’ve learned is that when you look good, you feel good. Wearing clothes that make you feel confident can give you a boost and put an extra bounce in your step. That said, finding clothes that fit well and make you feel great can be challenging, especially in smaller towns. Sizing, style, and fit can be discouraging hurdles, and I’ll be honest, jean shopping has always been my nemesis. It rarely ends well, and I’ve left many change rooms in tears. 

Over the years, I’ve learned that shopping for tricky items like jeans requires the right mindset. I try to go in with an open mind, a cheerful attitude, and the determination to tackle the challenge. When I find a pair I love, I’ll buy more than one if possible and stick to that brand and style. If you’re not feeling up to the task, try postponing your shopping trip until you’re in a better headspace. Setting yourself up with the right mindset can make all the difference and help turn a dreaded chore into a successful shopping day. 

Looking for clothing doesn’t have to break the bank, either. Some of my favourite finds have come from thrift stores, Facebook Marketplace, and even yard sales. You never know what treasures are out there waiting for a new home. 

If you find that body image struggles are starting to affect other parts of your life, remember, it’s okay to reach out for help, and there are resources available. 

In closing, know that you are enough, you are loved, and you are worthy. Remember to be kind to yourself, practice self-care, and reach out for help if you need it. 

If you need support, you can: 

Written by Kristin Buxton.

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