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For this edition of the Verywell Mind Mental Health Tracker, we discuss how body image issues may be exacerbated in social situations.To find out what previous surveys said about the state of mental health in the U.S., check outour previous releases.

For this edition of the Verywell Mind Mental Health Tracker, we discuss how body image issues may be exacerbated in social situations.

To find out what previous surveys said about the state of mental health in the U.S., check outour previous releases.

Body image is not a new problem, with 30% of Americans feeling negatively about their appearance overall. But as with many things relating to our mental health, the COVID-19 pandemic has made it worse for some. Half of Americans have been worrying about their appearance at least weekly over the last month, and 22% worry about their appearance more than they did before the pandemic.

This renewed social excitement, however, is far from universal. While there is plenty to like about all the trappings of large holiday gatherings, those struggling with body image issues may feel added pressure and judgment in ways that can negatively affect their mood. Our survey showed that the majority of those who already feel negatively about their bodies may have extra concerns around the holidays:

Think Twice Before Telling Someone How They Look

In other words, even if you tell someone they look great, their feelings about that comment may be negative if that’s how they already feel. Body image is a subjective perception of one’s own appearance. You may feel like you’re helping, but there’s a chance you could be contributing to a cycle of negative body image:

Generational Gaps in Body Image

As with many other elements of mental health we’ve observed over the course of the last year, it seems thatyounger adultsare struggling the most with body image issues:

It appearssocial mediause could play a role in this generational divide; 38% of those that use social media multiple times a day report feeling somewhat or very negatively about their appearance or how their body looks. This is especially true of Gen Z, with half of those who use social media once or more per day reporting signs of poorer body image.

How the Media Impacts Girls' Mental Health

Coping With Negative Body Image

If you are looking for ways toimprove your body image, there are a number of strategies that can help.Body neutrality, for example, is the idea of accepting your body as it is and appreciating it as a functional vessel. Some of the ways you can begin to practice body neutrality are:

MethodologyThe Verywell Mind Mental Health Tracker is an ongoing measurement of Americans’ attitudes and behaviors around their mental health. The survey is fielded online, beginning April 28, 2021, to 4,000 adults living in the U.S. The total sample matches U.S. Census estimates for age, gender, race/ethnicity, and region.

Methodology

The Verywell Mind Mental Health Tracker is an ongoing measurement of Americans’ attitudes and behaviors around their mental health. The survey is fielded online, beginning April 28, 2021, to 4,000 adults living in the U.S. The total sample matches U.S. Census estimates for age, gender, race/ethnicity, and region.

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