Body image affects half of men's mental health, says new study

Almost half of UK men have said that poor body image has affected their mental health, according to a new study.

It seems 48% of men aged 16-40 have struggled with how they feel about their body, according to new research by suicide prevention charity Campaign Against Living Miserably (CALM) and Instagram.

Out of the 2,000 males who participated in the study, 58% said the pandemic had affected how they feel about their body in a negative way.

Only 26% of them said they were happy with how they look and 21% revealed they didn’t feel comfortable talking to anyone about their feelings.

This is something George has experienced.

He tells Metro.co.uk: ‘In my experience with my mental health I found that it affects every aspect of your life – and that’s bound to include your body image. 

‘I struggled to look at myself in the mirror for the longest time, even though there was nothing wrong with myself. I had convinced myself that there was a problem with my body and I just wasn’t confident or comfortable with myself.’

Comparison culture – something which is hugely exasperated by social media –  is another factor that can lead to these feelings. 

Tom Home tells Metro.co.uk: ‘I was diagnosed with depression, anxiety and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) in November 2016. 

‘When I first found myself struggling (roughly September 2016), I was playing rugby for Northumbria University and would always compare myself to other members of the team for not being as “muscly” as them. This often led to a lot of self-hatred and low self-esteem.’

Now, Tom is the founder of men’s mental health community platform blOKes.

He explains: ‘It provides men with a safe, supportive and non-judgemental platform to open up about their thoughts and feelings, connect with others and tell a #MaleTale.’

Via the blOKes forum, men have the opportunity to share experiences, stories, guidance, tips and advice with like-minded individuals and connect with others around the world. 

There’s also no denying that the pandemic has had an undeniable impact on the nation’s mental health.

During the first coronavirus lockdown in 2020, CALM says it saw a 40% increase in calls to its helpline and visits to its website by 16-24-year-olds double.

But now CALM and Instagram are launching a new series, called CALM Body Talks, in an attempt to start conversations around the topic of body image.

Campaigners for the series include Jamie Laing, Stevie Blaine, Leon McKenzie, and Russell Kane.

Need support for your mental health?

You can contact mental health charity Mind on 0300 123 3393 or text them on 86463.

Mind can also be reached by email at [email protected].

Do you have a story to share?

Get in touch at [email protected].

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