Many of us, especially women, find ourselves caught up under constant judgment about our bodies. You’re either “too healthy” or “too skinny.” Somehow, you are never “just right.”
To think for a moment about the changes a woman’s body goes through—puberty, hormonal shifts, pregnancy, postpartum, menopause. It’s exhausting for a woman to keep up with the changes that take place in her body – let alone to keep up with what is deemed perfect by people inside and outside your homes.
The pressure not only affects how we feel about ourselves, it also takes a toll on our health. Frustration and anger can raise cortisol levels, disturbing our sleep cycle, increasing mood swings, and leaving us irritable and drained.
What makes it worse is that these comments often come disguised as “I’m just concerned about your health.” Yet, behind those words, many women are left to fight this battle on their own- in isolation; even spouses, at times, fail to stand by and offer the protection and support that’s needed.” Many times, such comments are casually brushed aside under the cover of ‘It was just a joke.’
Why do women do this to other women? We talk about women empowerment, but the truth is: often, we don’t need outside forces to break us. We have enough internal voices and cultural expectations—and sometimes even the women closest to us—to pull us down.
I have seen many women go through a breakdown trying to fight this losing battle. Sometimes its necessary to build from scratch, as difficult and heartbreaking as it may sound. Take it one day at a time, learn to heal mentally, physically and emotionally.
This is not a unique story- so many women suffer silently, drowning in shame, pressure, and unrealistic expectations. But we don’t have to wait until the breakdown comes.
If you are struggling under the weight of body shaming, please know you are not alone, and you don’t have to fight this battle silently. Seek help. Speak up. Find safe spaces where you can be heard without judgment.
And for those of us watching from the sidelines, let’s choose to be more empathetic, and be encouraging.
Don’t wait until it’s too late to seek help. Healing starts the moment you give yourself permission to step away from shame and step into grace.
