I'm too fat!  My nose is way too long!  I wish I had a better looking body!

Is this how YOU feel when you look in the mirror before heading to school?  Do you hate what you see?  Even though people compliment you about how pretty you are or what a great personality you have you still aren't happy. Your own eyes tell you that the reflection in the mirror looking back at you is totally gross.  So no matter how hard you try, you still don't like yourself, outside or inside.  If all this sounds familiar, don't worry.  There are many others out there just like you.

Every day millions of teens look in the mirror and are unhappy with what they see and how they feel.  Body image is the name used to describe how you view your body and feel about being in it.  Body image can also describe a "mixed up way of thinking" about how other people see you.  Once you understand the reasons you feel your body is just not good enough to be proud of, you'll learn to accept who you are.  When you do that you can then enjoy the better things life has to offer, the fun, love, and respect which you deserve.

Although it's more common for girls to be unhappy with their looks than boys, body image is still a growing problem for both sexes.  What can you do about it?  First, try focusing on the positive things about yourself.  Believe it or not, some of the stuff you like least about your body may be the very things that other people like most.  Your nose, for example, may seem too long or too big in your mind, but it could look like the perfect size for your face from someone else's point of view.  Your smile, which you think looks too "toothy" or too full of wires, may appear to other people as especially friendly.

Keep in mind that real beauty is only skin deep.  Beauty comes not just from what’s on the outside but what's inside.  Think about how great your personality is or what a loyal friend you are.  Focus your attention on these "positives" rather than wasting your energy on "beating up" on yourself.  Most of all keep things in balance.  Fashion models for example, weigh 23% less than the average woman.  It would be totally unrealistic for you to expect to weigh as little as they do.  Try comparing yourself to everyday people, not models who are all "skin and bones."   Look to your teachers, parents, friends as role models to give you a healthier outlook on what your "ideal' weight should be.

Remember, to many people you are beautiful and unique!  Learn to follow their lead and love the person you are.  That will give you the chance to spend more of your time and energy on the things that matter most…like fun, friends, and family.