Weeks ago, a Facebook post circulated about a student who was asked to pay for two in a modernized jeepney because of her size. That was body shaming.
Body shaming, as defined by helpguide.org, involves humiliating someone by making inappropriate or negative comments about their body size or shape. As well as “fat shaming,” you may also hear negative comments if you’re underweight or in reference to a specific body part.
Body shaming is a form of bullying. Bullying is deliberately hurting other people with words or actions… sometimes it may be a form of joke, but it is still bullying. Bullying is not okay!
There are many types of bullying – here are some examples:
•Physical – has physical contact like punching or slapping.
•Verbal – name calling, teasing, or joking.
•Social/Emotional – spreading rumors, pointing out the “differences,” and intimidation.
•Cyber – done via social media, emailing or texting.
•Racist – calling a dark-skinned person “Negro” or having biases about race, color, or religion.
•Sexual – making crude comments and making vulgar gestures.
Body shaming is verbal and emotional bullying. Bullying can create a lasting emotional and psychological scar.
Specifically, body shaming may lead to mental health issues like eating disorders, depression, anxiety, low self-esteem, and body dysmorphia.
Eating disorders are a range of psychological conditions (like body shaming) that cause unhealthy eating habits to develop. Common symptoms include severe restrictions of food, food binges and purging behaviors like vomiting or overexercising. There are two popular types of eating disorders: (1) anorexia nervosa – a person usually sees self as overweight. Restricts self from eating, constantly monitors calorie and food intake; (2) bulimia nervosa - a person usually eats a lot, then tries to force vomit what they ate.
Depression is a state when one feels sad, helpless, hopeless, and unworthy.
Anxiety is our body’s automatic alarm or natural response when we are faced with threatening situations. Some experience panic attacks, post traumatic stress orders and others.
Body dysmorphic disorder is when one feels flawed, finds one or more defects in one’s appearance. Sometimes it may not be true. One would feel ashamed or embarrassed.
Self-esteem is the way one looks at himself/herself. Having low self-esteem means having an overall poor sense of self-value. There might be loss of self-confidence and feelings of unworthiness (it can be a sign of depression).
Please take note that these mental health issues, specifically mental disorders, are to be diagnosed by a psychiatrist or a licensed psychologist. Please don’t self-diagnose or worse name call someone to be “depressed” or worse “buang ka.” That is also bullying – name calling.
The good news is that we can prevent the “negative” energies that was brought out by body shaming. Be apt.
•Accept who you are. Be proud and grateful of your body. You are God’s child.
•Practice self-love. Be kind to yourself. Spend time with loved ones (family and close friends)
•Take control of everything – choose your friends, arrange your schedule and fight! If someone bullies you (body shaming or something else), stand by and defend yourself.
However, if you feel that you are having a hard time with body shaming or other forms of bullying, please talk to someone. There is always someone who is ready to listen. You can visit your school’s or university’s Guidance Office or contact a mental health professional. It is okay to ask for help.
If you know someone who is being bullied, be a good friend by listening without judging. Be kind, do not be mean. Encourage this friend to get help. Do something. Write about it. Be the voice. Treat everyone with respect.
Be a buddy, not a bully.