Hey,
Thank you for sharing thisâit's a courageous step, and it speaks to a common experience that many men go through. Body dysmorphia can feel incredibly isolating, especially when it challenges deeply held beliefs about masculinity and physical appearance. Our society often reinforces certain expectations around what it means to "look strong" or "masculine," which can make it even harder to separate personal self-worth from physical appearance. Itâs completely okay to feel this way, and acknowledging these thoughts is an important step in beginning to work through them.
Next Steps
Consider reaching out to a therapist who can guide you through these feelings. Therapy can be a safe and non-judgmental space to explore the roots of body image concerns and learn techniques for building a healthier relationship with your body. A therapist trained in body dysmorphia or self-image issues could offer valuable tools to help manage the distress around appearance and self-comparison. You may also benefit from focusing on how your body feels and functions, rather than how it compares to others, which can be a more empowering mindset in the long term.
Health Tips
Itâs important to remember that over-focusing on size or appearance can lead us into a cycle of comparison thatâs rarely fulfilling. Our bodies are unique, and physical strength, health, and confidence donât have to look the same for everyone. Trying to "outsize" others may lead to habits that arenât healthy or sustainable in the long run, like overeating without proper balance. Remind yourself that feelings of inadequacy and envy are common, but they donât have to define you or your journey. Therapy can provide the support and understanding needed to build self-acceptance and reshape these patterns of thinking into ones that bring you peace and fulfillment.