I don't like my thinness: how do I deal with this complex?

Body image is a concept that is formed as we evolve, and is specific to each individual. It has a lot to do with lived experiences, the culture we live in, parenting patterns, the models we have had, etc.

It is something subjective, and is made up of various aspects such as perception, that is, the way we see ourselves; cognition, in this case composed of the thoughts related to that image; the affective aspects, that is, the feelings and emotions that it arouses in us and the assessment we give it; and finally the behavioral aspects, where the actions or behaviors that we carry out derived from that perception and those emotions associated with it are located.

• Related article: "6 good tips (and habits) to boost your self-esteem"

Complexes with own thinness

When a person is excessively thin, it is possible that their body image has a negative connotation and therefore arouses unpleasant emotions in that person. Their day to day is being modified and little by little all actions revolve around that image: avoiding situations or people, dressing in a certain way to hide uncomfortable features, check if a certain part of the body is specially observed, carry out mental or physical rituals to gain confidence, etc.

But all this can be given even if objectively that person is not below normal weight and therefore it is not an objective question if it is not the result of that distortion of the body image or as a consequence of rigid (or unrealistic) expectations of "how I would like to be".

The fact that thinness itself is pigeonholed as a positive quality, an aspect desired by many, sometimes makes it especially hard on the person who is not comfortable with her body for this reason, openly admitting it and expressing it for fear of being judged or even for not wanting to offend others.

To do?

Next we are going to give keys to face this complex and achieve well-being in relation to your body image.

1. Become aware of the implications of your problem

Try to identify that it is indeed an element of interference in your life and find out if you modify or avoid any decision based on this.

2. Value the diversity of bodies

Accept that each body is different, that you have strong points worth highlighting and perhaps others that you like less. The body image that we have in our mind does not always fit with our ideal, which differs from each other.

3. Modify your thinking patterns

Identify the thoughts and emotions associated with that part of your body (or your entire body) to try to modify them in others less severe with yourself / or.

4. Try not to be afraid to express it

This, of course, does not have to be a premise. But If at any given moment you want to share it or talk about it normally, do not stop yourself from thinking that you are going to be judged or that they will not understand you.

5. Try to focus on health

The most important aspect when we talk in terms of weight is keep us in numbers within the healthy. If your body values ​​are tight, and your energy and vitality are too, that's the priority.

6. Power your virtues

Do the exercise go over all the good things you have and try to focus on them so that your attitude is positive.

Author: Nadia del Real López, Psychologist Gral. Sanitary M-24795.