Growing up in different environments, Shweta Kinkale and Zain Basalat had similar experiences with insecurity and low self-esteem, but their journeys to self-acceptance took different paths. Shweta, as a 26-year-old e-commerce writer in Dubai, struggled with body image issues from a young age due to societal pressures to be thin and beautiful. On the other hand, Zain, a 20-year-old journalism student, was influenced by idealized images on social media, leading her to undergo cosmetic procedures such as rhinoplasty and fillers.
Both women credit their parents for playing a crucial role in their journeys towards self-acceptance. Through open communication and non-judgmental listening, their parents provided the support and guidance needed to navigate their insecurities. Dr. Saqib Latif, a Child and Adolescent Psychiatrist, emphasizes the importance of creating a safe space for adolescents to express their doubts and vulnerabilities, enabling them to normalize their feelings and build confidence.
The innate human need to belong further reinforces the impact of external influences on adolescent self-esteem. Dr. Latif notes that adolescents often place value on external validation, such as praise, popularity, and acceptance, leading to insecurity and low self-esteem. Parents can counteract these influences by praising their children based on their character and actions rather than their appearance, helping to establish a more robust sense of self-worth.
In a world where unrealistic beauty standards and manipulated digital media are rampant, media literacy becomes essential in shaping adolescents’ perceptions of themselves. Dr. Latif suggests proactive discussions about beauty standards and the editing of images on social media, emphasizing the importance of critical thinking. Parents can model body positivity by avoiding negative body comments and celebrating diversity, encouraging their children to appreciate uniqueness without comparison.
Both Shweta and Zain’s ongoing journeys with self-acceptance highlight the importance of support systems and self-awareness in overcoming insecurities. While Shweta finds strength in her supportive parents, Zain’s struggles with Body Dysmorphic Disorder emphasize the lasting impact of societal pressures. Through therapy, self-help resources, and limiting social media exposure, Zain has come to understand that self-worth transcends appearance, encouraging others to choose wisely in their self-perception journey.
