Body Image and Self-Worth: You Are More Than How You Look
If you’ve ever struggled with the way you see your body or felt like your value depends on your appearance, you’re not alone.
Many of us grow up in environments where body image is heavily tied to worth. This can come from family, peers, religion, media, or trauma. Over time, we may internalize the message that how we look matters more than who we are.
Your body is not a problem to be fixed.
It's the home you live in, not a measure of your worth.
At Found, we work with clients who are unlearning these harmful narratives and building self-worth from the inside out.
Where Body Image Struggles Might Come From
Poor body image doesn’t appear out of nowhere. It’s often shaped by:
Critical or appearance-focused family dynamics
Diet culture and beauty standards
Trauma or abuse that made your body feel unsafe or “wrong”
Religious messaging that emphasized modesty or control
Social media comparisons and filters
Even if no one directly told you “you’re not enough,” these systems quietly send the message every day.
How It Affects Your Mental Health
When your self-worth is tied to your appearance, you may notice:
Constant self-comparison
Shame about eating, dressing, or showing up in your body
Anxiety in social situations
Avoidance of photos, mirrors, or intimacy
Feeling disconnected from your body
This can lead to depression, low self-esteem, disordered eating, or chronic perfectionism.
What Healing Looks Like
Healing your relationship with your body isn’t about “loving it” 24/7. It’s about respecting it, listening to it, and knowing your worth goes far beyond appearance.
You might start with small steps like:
Unfollowing accounts that trigger shame
Wearing clothes that feel good—not just flattering
Practicing body-neutral affirmations like “My body helps me live my life”
Reclaiming rest, nourishment, and movement for yourself
You deserve to feel safe in your body—and proud of the person who lives in it.
Need Support?
At Found Mental Health, we help clients unlearn body shame, process trauma, and build self-worth rooted in compassion, not criticism. Whether you’re just beginning or deep in the process, you don’t have to do it alone.
Offices located in Provo, UT | Online therapy available across Utah
