Nurture your body image

Nurture your body image

Our body image is what we think and how we feel about our bodies. According to Arthritis Foundation, several studies show that women with RA are more dissatisfied with their bodies than other women, and a negative body image can lead to unnecessary suffering and even depression. How can we think about our bodies in a kinder way?

The more negative body image among women with RA is not just about whether the disease is somehow visible on the outside, e.g. in the form of swelling, weight change or difficulty walking. It has been found that this also applies to people who are relatively newly diagnosed and/or whose illness is not visible at all.

Easier said than done

A negative body image can lead to anxiety and depression. Therefore, it is important to do what we can to strengthen our self-image and body image, and it may be worth spending some time and love on these thoughts and what they actually look like.

Sometimes it can be difficult to break negative thoughts about the body—especially if you struggle with pain or feel that the disease prevents you from doing what you want.

How can we think?

1. Try not to let the disease define you. You are so much more than the diagnosis that hit you. Bear in mind everything else that you are and that has nothing to do with your illness.

2. If your illness prevents you from doing a certain thing, be careful not to view your whole person as weak or deficient. There are other things you can do, even really well. Focus on and develop these skills and abilities.

3. Use your body to be physically active in a way that works for you. Don't compare yourself with others. Practice appreciating your body for what it can actually do. Physical activity also brings a number of benefits, such as becoming more alert and in a better mood.

4. Make sure to surround yourself with people who support, respect and encourage you.

5. Join an organization or network for people with the same or similar diagnoses. There you will have the opportunity to meet people who struggle with the same things as you do. It can also be a good thing to have a platform from which you can fight for and argue for changes that you see are needed based on your own, valuable experiences.

And finally: If you feel that it is difficult to deal with these thoughts on your own, seek professional help. A negative body image should not be your normal state.

Source:

The article is based on Arthritis Foundation’s Rheumatoid Arthritis and Body Image.