People are usually bullied, harassed and mocked at which often leads to low self esteem, insecurities and the victims start loathing their bodies.

The virtue of self – love and self – appreciation is forgotten. One must always remember that before being judged by others one must love the way he/ she is.

FACTS

1. In the Girls’ Attitudes Survey 2016 conducted by Girl Guiding UK, “47 percent of girls aged 11-21 say the way they look holds them back.”
   
2. Reports suggests that body shaming leads to severe eating disorders like anorexia and bulimia.
   
3. “The average BMI( body mass index) for Miss Universe contest dipped into underweight range ” – UK based Superdrug online doctor’s study on Miss Universe’s body ( 2015).

SUGGESTIONS

1) Always accept and love your body by constantly working towards health goals.

2) The society should not compare people and drop the idea of a perfect body. Each one of us is beautiful in our own self.

3) Stay confident and don’t be mean to yourself.

4) Don’t encourage body shaming trolls. Instead, appreciate others how great they look in every form.

Remember each one is beautiful the way they are.

DID YOU KNOW?

1. Mental, neurological and substance use disorders make up 10% of the global burden of disease and 30% of non-fatal disease burden.
2. Around 1 in 5 of the world’s children and adolescents have a mental disorder.
3. Depression is one of the leading causes of disability, affecting 264 million people.
4. The global economy loses about US$ 1 trillion per year in productivity due to depression and anxiety.
5. About half of mental disorders begin before the age of 14.
6. People with severe mental disorders die 10 to 20 years earlier than the general population.
7. Almost 800 000 people die by suicide every year; 1 person dies from suicide every 40 seconds. Suicide is the second leading cause of death in individuals aged 15-29 years.
8. Less than half of the 139 countries that have mental health policies and plans report having these aligned with human rights conventions.

Judgement and discrimination are often the reasons why people choose to suffer in silence. It prevents people from having the awareness and access to much needed help.

Several approaches can help maintain a good relationship with people like:

• Showing empathy
• Avoid dictating what they need to do
• Congratulate them on positive changes
• Be patient

Remember! The road to recovery can be long and difficult but not impossible.