The way that you look and think about your body can have a really positive impact on your mental health. Body Positivity is a supportive way to look at your body and realise that you are absolutely okay as you are. Loving your body, feeling comfortable and appreciating what it does for you is way more important than what you look like. You might have seen the body positivity movement on social media called Body Love, Body Positive or BOPO.
Body Positivity is a movement that promotes acceptance of all bodies, regardless of size, shape, skin tone, gender and physical abilities. It's an antidote to the rise of unrealistic, edited bodies that we all see on social media, and it encourages you to aim to have a good body image and feel comfortable in your own skin.
By young people, for young people
"When I first arrived at high school I realised my body didn’t look the same as my friends and I immediately decided this was a negative thing about me. I didn’t understand that all bodies are different and we shouldn’t punish ourselves for how we look.
My friend told me about this boxing class for girls and how they had meetings afterwards to talk about issues like body image. They involved having an open conversation in a non-judgemental environment. This was a turning point for me, my struggle with body image is by no means solved completely.
I am still having days where I am criticising and attacking myself, but identifying when I am doing this reminds me to be kinder to myself."
Amelie, Age 16
(Some names changed to protect people's identities)
If you are feeling worried or confused about your body, talk to an adult or friend you can trust, have a chat with them about your questions or concerns. They might be able to put your mind at rest or give you some useful advice. You can also speak to your GP for advice about your body image.
If you live in Norfolk:
If you're 11-19 you can text ChatHealth on 07480 635060 for anonymous and confidential advice from a health professional. ChatHealth is available Monday to Friday 9am - 5pm.
You can also contact the Norfolk Healthy Child Programme by calling Just One Number on 0300 300 0123. Our opening hours are 8am-6pm Monday-Friday (excluding bank holidays) and 9am-1pm on Saturdays.
If you live in Waveney:
You can call the Suffolk School Nursing service on 0345 607 8866 or email childrenshealth@suffolk.gov.uk.
Beat is a UK based charity offering support for anybody affected by eating disorders. Call them for advice on 0808 801 0677 weekdays 9am-8pm or weekends 4pm-8pm, or have a 1-2-1 web chat online.
The Bridge + is a Norwich based charity offering support to people from an ethnic minority in Norfolk. Call 01603 617076 or text 07933765862 for more information.
Mermaids is a UK based charity supporting trans, non-binary and gender questioning children and young people. You can contact their helpline on 0808 801 0400 weekdays 9am-9pm.
LGBTQ+ Project is a Norfolk based charity offering support, information and advice to LGBT+ youths in Norfolk & Waveney. Contact them on 01603 219299 or book a 1:1 appointment online.
Kooth offers online counselling, advice and emotional well-being support for anyone aged 10-18, seven days a week until 10pm.
A safe place for transgender, nonbinary and gender diverse young people to find support.
Young people making positive changes for diversity, inclusion and support. Find out more here.