Let's be real, women have struggled with body image for ages. It's a never-ending battle to feel comfortable and confident in our own skin. We're constantly bombarded with images of "perfect" bodies, diets, and exercise regimens that make it nearly impossible to escape the pressure to look a certain way.

And it's not just the media that's to blame. Even our own families and friends can unintentionally contribute to the problem. We've all heard the classic "have you lost weight?" or "you look great, have you been working out?" remarks, which only reinforce the idea that being thin is the ultimate goal.

Negative body image impacts mental health. Women with body image issues are more likely to suffer from depression, anxiety, and eating disorders. It can also lead to a constant need for validation, social isolation, and a distorted perception of self-worth. This is because of the way society and media portrays beauty standards, which creates a narrow definition of what is considered attractive. This leads to feelings of inadequacy and inferiority in those who don't meet those standards, and can lead to low self-esteem and a lack of confidence. For instance, a 2019 study found that social media use was linked to lower body image satisfaction, particularly among girls. As a result, it is important to be conscious of the implications that society's beauty standards can have on individuals, particularly younger generations, and to take steps to combat these issues.

It's not just about being thin, either. Women of all shapes and sizes can struggle with body image, and it's imperative to recognize that everyone's journey is different. Whether you're a size 2 or a size 20, it's okay to love and accept your body as it is. But it's easier said than done, right? So how can we change the conversation around body image?

Here are some ideas.

• Start with yourself. It's challenging to promote body positivity if you're not practicing it yourself. Try to focus on the things you love about your body rather than the things you don't. For instance, if you love your hair, take the time to style it in a way that makes you feel confident and beautiful. Self-love is a journey, and it starts with small steps.

  Celebrate the things that make you unique and make you feel good. Embrace your imperfections and don't be afraid to express yourself. As you start to focus on the parts of yourself that you love and appreciate, you will naturally be able to promote body positivity to those around you.

• Educate yourself. There are so many resources available that promote body positivity and self-acceptance. Follow social media accounts that celebrate all body types, and seek out books or podcasts that discuss the issue.

  This will help you to challenge any negative thoughts you may have about your body and to recognize the beauty in your authentic self. It will also provide you with the tools and knowledge to advocate for yourself and others who may be experiencing body-shaming or other forms of discrimination.

• Challenge societal norms. Speak out against harmful diet culture and body-shaming, and encourage others to do the same. It's time to change the narrative and promote acceptance of all body types. Diet culture and body-shaming have been pervasive in our society for too long. It's time to send the message that everyone is worthy of respect, regardless of their size or shape.

  We need to promote a culture of acceptance and appreciation for our diversity. We need to challenge the status quo and start speaking up against these issues. We need to teach our children that it is ok to be different and to be proud of who they are. We need to start creating a space where all body shapes and sizes are accepted and celebrated, and where people can feel comfortable in their own skin.

At the end of the day, it's key to remember that your worth is not based on your physical appearance. You are so much more than your body, and you deserve to love and accept yourself just the way you are. It's important to take care of yourself, but it's also important to know that self-love and self-acceptance come before any kind of physical transformation. Your worth is not determined by how you look, but rather by the unique gifts that you bring to the world.

Seeking help from a professional at TeleTherapy Room is a great way to start understanding and working through any underlying issues that may be causing the body-image struggle. Everyone should strive to love and accept themselves as they are, and to be kind to themselves. Reach out!