"Body 'n Mind"

Licensed Clinical Social Worker Samantha Nilsson, contributor to “In Our Own Skin: A Multicultural Collection About Body Image” on Whatismyhealth, joins host Mike Trovato for the ninth episode of the Whatismyhealth podcast, “Health on a WIMH.” Body image has been around for centuries, but the image we as a society strive for has changed over time. With the prevalence of social media, it’s hard not to compare ourselves— and our bodies— to others, for better or for worse.

We often hear about obesity and obsess over losing weight, but weight gain and eating disorders are equally important, albeit less talked about body image issues. There are many perspectives on body image besides weight, diet, and exercise that don’t get nearly as much attention. What if we focused more on how we felt instead of on the numbers we see on the scale?

The mixed messages we receive from advertising and the media can distort our perceptions of what will make us happy. Comparing ourselves to others can make it hard for us to feel like it’s OK to be ourselves, and social media doesn’t always show the full reality of life. So, how can we use social media to help us improve rather than keep us stuck in the same place?

Samantha and Mike talk about how body image is a commonly shared experience, and how letting yourself be open enough to share your struggle can help somebody else with theirs. Their own experiences with body image issues have led them to advocate for people struggling with their own. Samantha and Mike suggest that we don’t necessarily have to agree in order to expand our perspectives and be mindful of the value in other’s stories.

Date: June 6-27th, 2018