The Impact of Social Media on Self-Image
In the past, it was the perfect portrayals of people on magazine covers, spectacular looking movie stars on the big screen, and supermodels stomping down the runways of Fashion Week that made us wonder…
”Is that what I’m supposed to look like?”
“Is there something wrong with me if I don’t look like that?”
“How would life be different or better if I did fit these seemingly impossible molds?”
“What can be done to mirror these standards of beauty that seem to be skyrocketing the social status, careers, and self-esteem of all who meet it?”
While all of the pressure sources of the past prevail today, social media is an additional channel, through which many of us humans are relentlessly influenced to shop trends and modify our natural hair, skin, body composition, and beyond, on a basis so constant it’s raising concern.
“Studies show that 88% of women compare themselves to images they observe on social media, with over half of them emphasizing that the comparison is unfavorable. Studies also show that 65% of men compare themselves to images they observe on social media, with 37% of them indicating that the comparison is unfavorable.” (emotionmatters.co.uk)
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Furthermore, “the online survey of British teenagers aged 13 to 19 was commissioned as part of Mental Health Awareness Week, found:
Almost one-third (31%) of teenagers felt ashamed in relation to their body image.
Four in ten teenagers (40%) said images on social media had caused them to worry about body image.
More than a third of British teenagers (35%) had stopped eating at some point or restricted their diets due to worrying about their body image.
Four in ten teenagers (40%) said that things their friends have said have made them worry about their body image.
Thirty-five percent of teenagers worried about their body image often or every day, and 37% of teenagers felt upset and ashamed about their body image.” (mentalhealth.org.uk)
What is perhaps the most fascinating about these staggering statistics, is the lack of transparency, details, and full-picture perspective on which many of them are based. For example, a short-form video of a statuesque fitness model doing squats is not likely to feature any information about the extreme physical demands and pressure under which this person operates to maintain their physique. It is only long enough for us to observe the differences between ourselves and them and develop feeling about those differences. There are, however, almost always opportunities to complete a transaction based on these feelings alone. The purchase of the featured protein powder or fitness program promises to equip the consumer with all the tools needed to achieve the same results of which we saw only a few curated seconds. These types of promises are rampant on social media, incomplete at best, and in many cases, downright misleading. It taps into the part of our brain that wants a “quick fix” or instant gratification. It is also worth discussing, however, if the “solutions” we’re being sold are actually problems in and of themselves.
For example, is it a problem that we don’t wear the same size jeans that we did at age 24?
Or, is it a truer problem that society tells us not to grow, shift, and change over time?
Is it a problem that we have wrinkles around our eyes from smiling and laughing all our lives?
Or, is it a truer problem that society tells us our wrinkles aren’t youthful, and therefore not appealing/acceptable/beautiful?
Are we being sold solutions to problems? Or are we purchasing greater problems in pursuit of meeting a standard we never intended to set?
As a person who shows up on social media platforms professionally at least 5 days a week, I can speak personally about how persistent exposure to social media, influencers, and the overall culture has impacted me. The constant opportunity to compare physical appearance, aesthetics, messaging, and overall online presence to others aside, it’s also quite convenient to compare approval and feedback.
The pressure for posts to “perform” still exists and perhaps increases when there are professional results attached. Attempting to calculate how to convert scrolls to “likes” and “likes” to clients with an ever changing formula is not for the faint of heart. Creating and publishing content that feels genuine and rich in value can take hours and go unnoticed forever, while a flippant meme can go viral in under an hour. Whether working or using social media platforms solely for entertainment, it’s important to recognize that the environment can become toxic.
There are many ways to set boundaries with social media and regain a sense of confidence and control:
-Set daily time limitations on social media apps to help cut down on time spent scrolling
-Partake in activities outside of social media that reinforce confidence and joy
-Unfollow accounts that give you feelings of insufficiency or poor self-image
-Give yourself permission to break the “rules” of social media and give it what you want back from it: take long breaks, be inconsistent, forget the filters, ignore the algorithm, and stay authentic!
Sources:
https://www.mentalhealth.org.uk/about-us/news/millions-teenagers-worry-about-body-image-and-identify-social-media-key-cause-new-survey-mental
The Scoop on Supplements
By: Tracy Pritchard (MS, CNS, LDN)
Dietary supplementation is now commonplace in the American diet. It seems like every other television commercial or social media post is promoting the idea that “If you can’t get it in your food, then get it in a pill.”
In order to ensure that an individual can successfully navigate the endless walls of supplemental possibilities they may want to get familiar with the concept of proper dietary supplementation. Bottom line up front: If a product claim sounds like it is too good to be true, it probably is. While there is a place for supplementation, one concern is the over reliance on supplements at the expense of a balanced diet. There is no supplement that is right for everybody or that can provide magic results.
Supplements may help you improve or maintain your overall health. A dietary supplement is used to enhance the diet by increasing both the quality and quantity of total dietary intake. Dietary supplementation is necessary given either of the following two conditions: you do not eat a variety of food, or you have an underlying health issue. A holistic approach to health may go beyond simply addressing deficiencies and offer targeted therapeutic uses of supplements to address health concerns and individual needs. In our current day and age plagued with deteriorating soil quality, increasing levels of environmental toxins, and hectic lifestyles it may not be realistic to get everything we need from food. Some examples of dietary supplements include vitamins, minerals, herbs/botanicals, amino acids, and enzymes. Other popular supplements include protein powders and greens powders. Protein powders are typically made from pea or other plant-based sources, whey (dairy), or hydrolyzed beef. In addition to accommodating allergies and sensitivities, many people have personal preferences based on flavor, texture and satiety. While protein powders are typically associated with making shakes or smoothies, they are very versatile and can also be used in recipes such as protein oats, chia pudding, and baking to help increase protein intake.
How do you know if your product is good? Should you buy your supplements at the same place you buy your groceries and cleaning supplies – does it really matter? The simple fact is that the quality of nutritional supplements varies widely. There are numerous quality certifications that help consumers choose products that actually contain the ingredients listed on the label while not containing potentially harmful ingredients. Many supplement brands feature claims on their labels to help consumers find suitable products based on their personal values and preferences. With food allergies on the rise, it is especially important to understand allergen terminology and pay careful attention to product labels. Some examples of common label claims include animal product-free, free of artificial fillers or preservatives, gluten-free, non GMO, and shellfish-free.
Buyer beware of ingredients that don’t belong in supplements. Some ingredients to look out for that may be used as fillers or to enhance the look of a supplement include artificial colors and hydrogenated oils - both are associated with negative health outcomes. Also be on the lookout for lead, mercury, and other contaminants found in inexpensive omega-3 (fish oil) supplements. Without quality control, it is possible that supplements may even contain mold and fungus.
Professional brands are sold directly to healthcare providers and typically claim tighter quality control (and therapeutic concentrations) than over the counter supplements. There are numerous markers of quality control to ensure public safety while verifying that products contain the identity, purity, strength, and composition claimed on the labels. Current Good Manufacturing Practices (cGMP) is industrial terminology indicating that a manufacturing plant has been inspected and certified by third party companies who ensure certain quality criteria are met. cGMPs are designed to minimize risk in dietary supplements. This certification is not free, which is why many nutritional supplement manufacturers are not officially cGMP certified. However, without the actual cGMP certification, you can’t be sure if they are adhering to the strict requirements. Some other organizations committed to supplement quality include EQP (Emerson Quality Program) and NSF International, USP, and Consumer Lab.
If you are looking to purchase quality supplements, consider researching trusted sources. These may include brand/manufacturer websites, specialty or health food retailers, healthcare practitioners who stock supplements directly from the brand, and virtual dispensaries that stock supplements directly from the brand. Resellers may not have proper warehousing standards, training programs for staff, formal quality control, or recall and adverse reaction processes in place. This may lead to concerns that could adversely impact an individual’s health.
Another consideration is what form of a nutrient is the best. Not all forms of a nutrient are the same. One example is Vitamin D supplements that can be found as vitamin D2 or vitamin D3; in this case the latter is more effective at raising Vit D levels. In addition, a practitioner can provide proper dosing based on lab work. Another example of a popular supplement is magnesium. It can be found in several forms that each provide different benefits. Be sure to talk to a healthcare provider to ensure you are using supplements that best suit your individual needs.
Some things to consider before taking a dietary supplement:
*What dose should I take for therapeutic benefits?
*What are the potential benefits?
*When should I take it? With food or without food? For how long?
*Are there any safety risks?
*Am I allergic or sensitive to any of the ingredient it contains?
*Does it interfere with any prescription medications?
Are you interested in a simple, convenient alternative to spending hours in the supplement aisle?
Check out our online supplement dispensary!
Always let your health care provider know about any supplements you plan to take especially if you have any health conditions or take any medications.
Featured Recipe
Protein Oats
Ingredients
· ½ cup old fashioned oats
· 1 serving protein powder (flavor of choice, approx. 20 grams of protein)
· 1 tbsp nut butter (peanut butter, almond butter)
· ½ cup berries
· 1 cup (+/- based on desired consistency) water, milk, or milk alternative
Instructions
1. In a microwave safe bowl add the oats and liquid. Stir until well combined.
2. Microwave for 1 minute. Remove from microwave and stir again.
3. Microwave for an additional 30-45 seconds. Remove from microwave and add protein powder, nut butter and berries. Enjoy!
Notes
Protein Powder –I like to use Metagenics Whey or Rice & Pea protein from Fullscript. Both come in chocolate or vanilla. This protein powder can also be used to make a protein shake or chia pudding.
More Than Just “Seen” : Supporting and Safeguarding the LGBTQIA+ Community
The barriers between adequate healthcare, resources, community support and our LGBTQIA+ community members remain present and detrimental in 2024. Hope and Healing recognizes the negative and sometimes fatal consequences that these barriers are making on the health and well being of LGBTQIA+ individuals, specifically among younger generations…
Written By: Leslie Wells
The barriers between adequate healthcare, resources, community support and our LGBTQIA+ community members remain present and detrimental in 2024. Hope and Healing recognizes the negative and sometimes fatal consequences that these barriers are making on the health and well being of LGBTQIA+ individuals, specifically among younger generations.
Key findings from The Trevor Project’s 2024 National Survey on LGBTQ Youth Mental Health include the following statistics:
— 39% of LGBTQ+ young people seriously considered attempting suicide in the past year — including 46% of transgender and nonbinary young people.
— More than 1 in 10 (12%) LGBTQ+ young people attempted suicide in the past year.
— 50% of LGBTQ youth who wanted mental health care in the past year were not able to get it.
— More than half (54%) of transgender and nonbinary young people found their school to be gender-affirming, and those who did reported lower rates of attempting suicide.
— LGBTQ+ young people who reported living in very accepting communities attempted suicide at less than half the rate of those who reported living in very unaccepting communities.
These statistics paint a clear depiction of how critical an increase in support and resources remains. In an effort to reinforce a sense of hope and healing for the members of our LGBTQIA+ community, we have assembled the following resources that may increase the likelihood of receiving proper care and support:
PFLAG Southern Maryland—
PFLAG offers support, resources, and advocacy for LGBTQIA+ and their loved ones, including faith-based support, support for military families with LGBTQIA+ children and teens, and more.
The Trevor Project—
Read blogs about topics such as the complexities of lesbian visibility, the trans/non-binary umbrella, and how to have safe, and supportive discussions about suicide with our LGBTQIA+ loved ones.
https://www.thetrevorproject.org/
Lighthouse—
Lighthouse publishes original content on a weekly basis from top LGBTQIA+ doctors and therapists. Subscribe to their newsletter for regular updates, or utilize the website to search for primary care, therapists, psychiatrists, and more health care providers specializing in LGBTQIA+ health issues.
National LGBTQIA+ Health Education Center—
Read tips for coming out and communicating clearly with health care providers regarding health issues related to or affected by sexual orientation.
https://www.lgbtqiahealtheducation.org/publication/dadt-lqbtq-youth/
Please share these resources freely and often. We witness how small efforts can sometimes make the greatest differences on a daily basis, and believe that everyone is worthy of health, hope, and healing.