Alex's Answer

It's so frustrating

Your Question

i have a really big mirror built into the wall of my bedroom of my wall so i often find myself looking at myself and my body. generally, i feel quite happy with how i look but recently i haven’t been feeling this way. one issue that’s often bothered me is that i don’t know why i don’t look more fit. i exercise everyday and i eat a very healthy diet, i once even look up a body size test thing online and it said i was built like an athlete but i just don’t see it. i’ve got plenty of fat on my face(i’ve got extremely chuby cheeks and i hate it), arms and stomach. it’s so frustrating. so far, the only solution i’ve thought of as to why i’m like this is because i get really bad periods so it’s possibly an issue with my hormones but i’ve been having my period for 4 years now i would’ve thought my body would’ve calmed down by now. i don’t look extremely overweight, but i do look a tiny bit overweight compared to majority of girls in my class/year. there are some girls in my class who have a body shape similar to mine but to me, it feels like clothes fit better on their body than they do on mine. also, i’m often stress because our school is kind of over-assessing us (CBA’S AND exams in 2nd year which is crazy!!!) which could be a factor but a. i haven’t gained weight, i’ve maintained the same weight for ages and b. still i don’t understand why there are some girls who are just naturally skinny and it just seems so unfair.

Answer

Hi there, thanks so much for your question!
 
Firstly, we want to say that you’re not alone in feeling this way. It’s completely normal to have moments where you’re not happy with your body, especially when you’re surrounded by societal pressures and comparisons to others. Your feelings are valid, and it’s ok to acknowledge them.
 
It sounds like you’re already doing a lot of things right by exercising regularly and maintaining a healthy diet. Sometimes, despite our best efforts, our bodies don’t always reflect the image we have in our minds. Remember that bodies come in all shapes and sizes, and what matters most is how you feel about yourself on the inside. You may find this article helpful www.childline.ie/draft-how-to-learn-to-love-the-way-you-look/.
 
Hormones can indeed play a role in how our bodies look and feel, especially during puberty. Would you consider talking to a healthcare professional about your concerns to explore any underlying issues or hormonal imbalances that may be affecting you?
 
It’s also important to recognise the impact of stress on our bodies and mental health. The pressure from school can definitely take its toll, but it’s essential to prioritise self-care and find healthy ways to manage stress. Remember, you’re more than just your appearance or academic achievements. Have a read of this article, also from the Childline website, www.childline.ie/stop-beating-yourself-up-why-we-all-need-more-self-compassion/.
 
You’re doing great by reaching out for support, and we’re here for you every step of the way. Whether you need someone to talk to or explore your options, the Childline team is available 24/7 to provide a listening ear and guidance. You’re not alone in this journey, and together, we can work towards helping you feel more confident and comfortable in your own skin.
 
Take care of yourself. We look forward to hearing from you again,
Alex

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