Mental Health - The cost of beauty.

My intention for ‘Love You, Love Me’ was about addressing mental health, a complex issue. 

 

Question is: where did this negative self-image stem from? In the 1950’s where marketing the  stereotypic housewife seeped into the collective consciousness, that if we didn’t buy a certain brand, we hadn’t made it in life? The pressure to conform and fit into ‘society’ has reached toxic unrealistic expectations. 

Clever PR practices have infiltrated society for profit leading to an obsession with youth and beauty. We’re led to believe success and happiness is determined by unrealistic external values, with celebrities and influences marketing products. Turning to plastic surgery, laser treatments, creams and diets are unnatural. Finally, the multi-billion-dollar beauty industry is taking positive steps including “Cost of Beauty: A Dove Film. Social media is harming the mental health of 3 in 5 kids,” highlighting body image.  

 

“Because you’re worth it” L’Oréal’s slogan of 50 years was initially created to inspire women globally to recognise their value. In more recent times, the company has expanded their marketing, ‘Real Beauty’ to include diverse skin & hair colour, ethnicity, age and gender identity, which has historically been ignored by the beauty industry.

 

“Love the skin you’re in” (Olay) has become more inclusive of LGBTQIA+.

 

But is this enough and where do we go from here when social media comments and the number of likes influence and manipulate technology addicted adolescences?

I believe we all have a responsibility not to post photo enhanced online images and stop the pressure to look a certain way.  We have to change our self-talk, avoid comparing ourselves to others and implement practical life skills into education.

 

Ultimately, life is about building each other up through respect, kindness and support rather than tearing someone down. One mean word can have a life-changing negative impact on a person’s self-esteem.

It’s time to reframe our thoughts, be grateful for one’s body and fall in love with oneself.

‘Love You, Love Me’ offers tools and strategies to support young adults.

 

Post Views : 88