Reddit reviews The Self-Esteem Companion: Simple Exercises to Help You Challenge Your Inner Critic and Celebrate Your Personal Strengths

Yes, body image issues are normal to have with an ED. Body Dysmorphic Disorder is what it is called.

The body dysmorphia is probably in about 90% of those with AN. Many who are underweight don't realize how sick (like someone with cancer) they look.

Weight gain takes about 10 days to 2 weeks to manifest. The body doesn't build that quickly. In that time, weight lost is water weight, and weight gained is also water weight. The idea that significant weight gain or loss happens overnight is a myth.

Know that being underweight is serious with serious mental and physical complications. My sister's story.. She thinks her underweight body is attractive and has no idea people think she is seriously ill, which she is.

Body image is a real struggle for many. You are not alone. To shift out of believing how thin you are is important, consider building self-esteem around qualities that are internal.



There are many self-help books on building self-esteem. Although you are focusing on body image, look at what you are not focusing on. Generosity, friendliness, honesty, patience, reliability, etc. What are qualities you value in your heroes? What are qualities you value in others? Learn to value them in yourself.

Consider a list of things to learn to focus on your positive qualities and move away from considering body image so important. This is part of a list to start with:

>1. Weight and size is not a measure of self-worth. Why should it be? Your self-worth is your view of yourself as a total person— how you treat others; how you treat yourself; the contributions you make to your family, your friends, your community, and society in general. Your size is just your size, like hair color. Don't give it any more importance than that.

>2. List your assets, talents, and accomplishments and review that list often. Add to your list daily.

>3. Focus on the positive aspects of your life — a job you like, good friends, a nice home.

>4. Stop criticizing yourself. The inner voice that's telling you you're no good is a liar. View the voice as an unwelcome intruder and show it the door!

>5. Avoid "globalizing." Instead of saying "I'm such a failure," say: "I didn't do that one little thing quite right, but I do most things right."

This author, Matthew McKay has written many great self-esteem workbook and others like it. It's serious work for anyone serious about changing the way you think.

The Self-Esteem Companion: Simple Exercises to Help You Challenge Your Inner Critic and Celebrate Your Personal Strengths