Food is a wonderful thing. It can lead us to new experiences, connect us with our culture, teach us new things, and fuel our bodies. What we eat can impact our health, our minds, and our bodies, all in different and unique ways. Eating is a very personal thing; everyone experiences eating in slightly different ways. For some people, shame can impact how they feel about food, and ultimately, how they consume it. Shame can be thought of as a painful feeling of humiliation or distress caused by the consciousness of wrong or foolish behavior. Shame can stem from many different areas and affect people in different ways.
Social Media
Social media can have a huge impact on confidence for some individuals. We log onto platforms like Instagram and are instantly faced with flawless, beautiful people. It is easy to compare ourselves with those people or want to look like them. When our bodies do not match theirs, it can start to affect our eating patterns and the emotions behind our eating. We may start to feel shame because our bodies don’t look like what we see on social media. While social media can have many positive attributes, this is a negative one. Learning to not compare yourself with others will lead to a much happier, confident you.
Social Circle
Who we surround ourselves with can drastically affect our habits and ways of thinking. If you have a parent or a friend who constantly tells you that you should not be eating certain foods or that you need to lose some weight, this may stay in your mind as you are eating food. Situations like this can lead to unhealthy habits and negative thoughts. Feeling shame because of what others are saying or doing is never ok. Learning to speak up is a powerful tool. Telling people how they are making you feel is a huge part of the therapeutic process.
Shame can easily impact eating habits. Learning to surround yourself with others who support and love you can make a positive difference. Learning self-confidence and self-love are huge aspects of the therapeutic process. The professionals here at The Guest House are ready to help you on your journey. We have many different therapeutic options and would love to help you find the one that is the right fit for you. Call us today at (855) 483-7800.