Body-Image cycle

[WhitJo]

I'm 17 and I am overweight so I have some body-image issues. I go two weeks or feeling confident and very happy with my body, but then I have periods of wanting to change and trying to lose weight, only to quit and go back to " i like myself the way I am." It's a cycle that I can't seem to get out of. I know it's normal to have times when you want to change something about yourself. This just seems too much and it really stresses me out. Why can't I be positive all the time? I try really hard to not say anything negative about myself but it fails. What can I do to help my self-esteem?

[allisontedford]

Hi! xx that's normal... I went through a period where I had a very low self esteem for about 1 year and a half. It was horrible. But when I started working on my self - confidence, there were times when I was really depressed and down but there were others when I was confident. Its not crazy. Just keep on working on your self esteem. I would tell myself "Im beautiful" "Im talented "Im smart" "Im wonderful" every single day and now, Im really, really self- confident and I love myself! Try it! It really works.

[Chris.]

Unfortunately this happens alot - and it has happen to. Its due to us seeing things that we want to be like without us even realizing it. People on TV, or people at school or such. Seeing better body images that what we have make us crave a similar body image and want to change, but then after awhile you realize to accept ourselves for who we are and the cycle goes on and on as you said. The best was to get over this is to start being more confident and having more self esteem. Think about what you have than what you don't. Try to stop thinking about th negatives - focus on the positives of situations. Set goals and take pride in you opinions and ideas. Recognize what you can and cant change. Try new things, and learn from the mistakes you once made. Most important, dont look at yourself as someone you need to improve - look at yourself and say: This is me, I love it, and no one can change me. Im proud to be this person - and Im thankful for all the things I have within me, inner and outter. My name is ______ _______

I hope that you can build up your confidence and self esteem.

Best wishes,
Chris