Redefining Beauty: How Social Media Shapes Our Body Image and What to Do About It

March 30, 2025

We want to start by saying this: you are not alone in how you feel about your body. In fact, you're part of a growing conversation that's shifting the way we think about beauty, self-worth, and how those ideas are influenced by something that's become an inseparable part of our lives—social media.

As Psychotherapists, we’ve had many conversations with clients who express frustration, confusion, and sometimes even sadness when comparing themselves to the people they see online. But here's the thing: social media, for all its good, is often a highlight reel. It shows us the best versions of people, the most curated moments, and sometimes, the most unattainable standards of beauty and success. That, in turn, can leave us feeling less than, inadequate, or disconnected from our own unique selves.

The Beauty Filter Trap

Let’s talk about filters and editing for a second. It’s almost become a norm to tweak photos, smooth skin, or enhance features before posting them. While this can be fun, it often creates a distorted version of reality. When we see others post these “perfect” images, it’s easy to start comparing our natural, unfiltered selves and feeling like we fall short. But here’s the truth: nobody looks like their filtered photos all the time (not even the influencers, celebrities, or models).

In therapy, we often help clients explore what’s going on under the surface when they’re struggling with body image. For many, social media fosters the idea that their worth is tied to how they look. It’s subtle, but over time, it seeps in. If you’re someone who’s constantly comparing, it can feel like you’re never quite enough, no matter how many likes or comments you get.

Beauty Standards: Evolving, Yet Still Holding Strong

Let’s talk about beauty standards for a moment. These standards have always existed, but social media has amplified them in ways we’ve never experienced before. We see what’s “in” on the runway one season, and the next, it’s completely different. The pressure to match these ever-changing ideals can be exhausting.

But here’s something that can help you breathe a little easier: beauty standards are not set in stone. They are created by society, influenced by media, and can be reshaped. There’s a growing movement online where people are embracing diverse body types, different skin tones, and all kinds of facial features. This inclusivity is challenging traditional norms, and it’s incredibly powerful.

When you scroll through your feed, consider what messages you’re absorbing. Is it telling you to look a certain way? To act a certain way? Are those messages aligned with who you truly are, or are they pushing you toward a version of beauty that doesn’t feel authentic? Taking a step back from the noise and recognizing that beauty is subjective and fluid can give you more freedom to embrace your own body and uniqueness!

A Personal Story: Our Own Journeys

To make this more personal, let us share something from our own experiences. When we were younger, we can remember feeling overwhelmed by magazine covers, TV shows, and later, social media. We’d see these flawless faces and bodies and wonder why we didn’t look like that. But as we’ve grown older and worked with clients, we’ve realized something incredibly liberating: the journey to self-acceptance isn’t about fitting a mold—it’s about feeling comfortable and confident in your own skin.

Of course we still have days where we don’t feel our best, and that’s okay. But we’ve learned to love our bodies for what they are (flaws and all). It’s not about perfection; it’s about embracing your individuality and accepting that you, in all your imperfect beauty, are enough.

The Mental Health Connection

When we talk about body image and beauty standards, we also have to acknowledge the significant toll it can take on our mental health. Anxiety, depression, and low self-esteem are often linked to negative body image. Constantly comparing yourself to others on social media can fuel feelings of inadequacy and shame. If you’re struggling with how you feel about your body, please know that it’s not something you have to handle alone.

It’s essential to create a supportive environment for yourself, both online and offline. Consider following accounts that promote body positivity, self-love, and diversity. Spend less time comparing and more time celebrating your uniqueness. And, most importantly, allow yourself the space to just be—without the pressure to fit someone else’s idea of beauty.

Building a Healthier Relationship with Social Media

If you’re feeling like social media is getting to be too much, it’s okay to take a step back. Setting boundaries can help you regain control over how you consume content. Here are some practical steps you can try:

1. Curate Your Feed: Follow accounts that uplift you and make you feel good about yourself. Unfollow or mute accounts that trigger negative thoughts or comparisons.

2. Limit Time Online: Set specific times during the day to check social media, and stick to them. When you limit your exposure, it’s easier to focus on the present moment and real-world connections.

3. Post for Yourself: Share what feels authentic to you. Don’t worry about likes or followers. Think about how you want to express yourself. It’s about your voice, your experience, and your identity.

4. Practice Self-Compassion: Be kind to yourself, just as you would to a friend. Speak to yourself with love and understanding, especially when you’re feeling down about your appearance.

Final Thoughts

Body image isn’t just about how we look—it’s about how we feel about ourselves. Social media might shape how we view beauty, but it doesn’t define our worth. Your beauty, inside and out, is not contingent upon the standards set by others. It’s rooted in the acceptance of who you are (imperfections and all).

If you ever feel like the pressure is too much, remember that you can create a healthier relationship with yourself and with social media. Therapy can also be a powerful tool in helping you navigate these feelings and discover a more authentic, self-compassionate way to see your body.

You deserve to feel good in your own skin. Start today—because you are already enough.

Take care of yourself.

The Healing Space

Welcome to a space where ideas come to life and conversations spark new perspectives. Whether you're looking for insights, inspiration, or practical advice, you'll find something here that speaks to you. This blog is a collection of our thoughts, experiences, and reflections, shared with the hope that they might offer you value or a fresh way of looking at things.

Growing Up with Divorced Parents: The Rollercoaster You Didn’t Sign Up For (But Here We Are)

March 23, 2025

Ah, growing up with divorced parents—what a ride!

It’s like being on a rollercoaster you didn’t sign up for, with the added bonus of unexpected loop-de-loops and the occasional emotional whiplash. But hey, you survive it, don’t you? And sometimes, you even thrive. Let’s talk about the experience of growing up with divorced parents, the good, the bad, and the “wow, did that just happen?” moments. Spoiler alert: You might not have asked for this life, but it’s probably made you the strong, resilient, slightly sarcastic person you are today.

The minute your parents tell you they’re divorcing, you’re hit with a cocktail of emotions—sadness, confusion, anger, and a dash of guilt. It’s like a confusing buffet of feelings that you never really asked to be a part of. You’re basically in a constant state of, “Wait, is this a bad dream, or is this real life?” You might have even googled “how to cope with parents splitting up” at 2 AM (no shame).

But here’s the thing: it’s all normal. It’s okay to feel like your world has been shaken up like a snow globe on a coffee table. The important part is that you let yourself feel those emotions, even if they’re messy.

One of the first things you’ll notice after the divorce is the whole “living in two places” situation. If you’re lucky, you’ll have two homes, two bedrooms, and double the number of snack cabinets (which, let’s be real, is the dream). If you’re not so lucky, you’ll probably spend your time bouncing between houses like a human ping-pong ball, trying to remember which toothbrush goes where. And let’s not forget the new schedules because who doesn’t love a good calendar update in the middle of a life crisis?

Pro tip: Be kind to yourself during these transitions. It’s okay to feel like you’re living in two different universes with new rules every week. At least you can make two different types of cereal at both houses. That’s a win, right?

One of the biggest emotional hurdles is the whole “picking a side” thing. Your parents probably don’t want you to choose between them, but deep down, you might feel like you’re stuck in a “choose your fighter” situation. It’s like being in the middle of a reality TV show and, spoiler alert, you’re not even getting paid for it. Here’s the thing: You don’t need to pick sides. Trust me, loving both parents does not mean you’re betraying anyone. It just means you’re a decent human being who doesn’t want to star in their own drama series. So, breathe. Be honest with yourself and your parents. It’s OK to love both of them without feeling guilty.

While it may feel like the universe is throwing every curveball at you, you’re learning how to roll with it. You’re building resilience without even realizing it. Handling multiple schedules? Check. Navigating emotional chaos? Double check. Learning how to be flexible and adaptable? You’re practically a yoga master at this point. Yes, it’s tough, but growing up with divorced parents teaches you how to bounce back from things that don’t go according to plan. Sure, you might be a little cynical now, but you’ve earned it. Resilience? You’ve got it in spades.

If you’re lucky, your parents might remarry, bringing new people into your life. Stepparents, step-siblings, half-siblings… oh my! You may feel like you’re starring in a never-ending season of Modern Family. Except the only thing being handed out is emotional support and maybe a few awkward family dinners. Adjusting to new family members can be a slow process, but here’s a secret: It’s absolutely okay if it’s weird. Give yourself and them time. And hey, you might even end up loving your new family members in ways you didn’t expect. It’s like a surprise twist ending in a soap opera, and who doesn’t love a plot twist?!

Growing up with divorced parents forces you to figure out who you are when your family structure looks a little different from what you expected. You’ll probably ask yourself some big questions like who am I? What do I want in relationships? And how do I want to be treated? This journey helps you become more self-aware, independent, and strong. You’re building your own identity, not just in reaction to the divorce but in spite of it. You might even come to appreciate the ways your unique upbringing has made you who you are today!

Looking back, what we wish we knew growing up with divorced parents is that while it’s tough, it doesn’t define us. It teaches you resilience, compassion, and the strength to create your own path, no matter how many curveballs life throws your way.