Young Mental Health Ambassador discussions: body image
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During monthly meetings between Healthwatch Essex and the Young Mental Health Ambassadors (YMHA), the ambassadors have spoken frequently about body image and shared concerns of other young people having negative views of themselves and low self-esteem. They were enthusiastic to share their experiences and their thoughts on what could be damaging to a young person’s perception of themselves. Following further meetings, as a group, they decided to explore this in more depth and co-design a survey which would encourage young people to talk about their lived experience. They spoke to 54 people.
The Young Mental Health Ambassadors recognised in themselves the impact that having a negative body image was having on their mental health and wellbeing and noticed that this was prevalent within their peers too.
A large proportion of the young participants revealed that negative comments made by people around them, whether intentional or not, had the potential to cause long-lasting low self-esteem. Parents and guardians also recognised this themselves and noticed that there could be occasions when family members make comments, even about themselves, which could be triggering for young people.
Social media was additionally revealed to be damaging to young people’s body image as they are often susceptible to photoshopped imagery causing them to compare themselves to other people. To help counteract what the young people are exposed to online, mental health organisations should create online campaigns to help signpost young people to services and show them that social media is not always accurate.
Lastly, it would be recommended that educational sessions are delivered to young people, potentially within the PSHE curriculum. By notifying young people that educational institutions can support them during this time could help alleviate the probability of further mental health disorders occurring which was seen with some of the participants. If the educational institution does not feel like are appropriate to aid the student, the young person should be supported when reaching out to an external organisation.