As a physician, I have often seen patients struggling with their self-image, particularly when it comes to weight and body perception. A close friend of mine, Emily, faced a similar challenge. After experiencing a change in her medication regimen that included an SSRI, she found herself gaining weight, moving from a size 8 to a size 14. This shift was not just physical for her; it affected her self-esteem profoundly.
Emily used to wear dresses daily, which masked her gradual weight increase. One summer day, she caught a glimpse of herself in the mirror and realized she didn’t recognize her own body. The number on the scale shocked her—180 pounds—and it felt like a blow to her self-worth. Society often teaches women that a number on a scale determines their value, and Emily found herself overwhelmed by that very belief.
Her husband attempted to console her, saying, “You don’t look like you weigh that much,” which only added to her frustration. She embarked on a strict paleo diet and began running, determined to shed the weight. After weeks of discipline, she stepped back on the scale, yet it stubbornly read 180 pounds. The tears flowed as she remembered how she felt after giving birth to her second child, when the scale had also shown a similar number.
Despite the weight not budging, Emily noticed that her clothes fit differently, and her energy increased. Her psychiatrist advised her to stop relying on the scale and instead to trust her body’s signals. But the numbers were hard to ignore. In a moment of frustration, she kicked the scale, bruising her toe, and ultimately decided to throw it away.
The liberation she felt from discarding the scale was remarkable. No longer was she tethered to an arbitrary figure that fluctuated with water intake or hormonal changes. She realized that her worth was not tied to a number. The term “fat” carried negative connotations that didn’t reflect her true self; she was strong, healthy, and capable.
This experience led Emily, and perhaps many others, to understand that self-acceptance is vital. I encourage anyone struggling with similar issues to explore resources like Women’s Health for valuable information on health and wellness. For those considering alternative paths to family planning, you can find insights on intracervical insemination and how it can empower one’s journey.
Lastly, for couples navigating this path, Make a Mom provides essential guidance to support their fertility journey.
In summary, it’s crucial to recognize that our self-esteem should not be dictated by an ever-changing number. Embrace your body, focus on how you feel, and let go of the scales that weigh down your self-worth.