Here we are, the beginnings of the spring and summer seasons. Our noses will capture the scent of blooming flowers, sunscreen and sidewalk chalk. Days will soon be filled with cut-off shorts, yardwork, and children excited to be out of school. While summer brings joy for almost anyone, unfortunately there is a toxic trend associated with it. Many are impacted by the body image struggles triggered by this change of seasons. 

Body image struggles are deeply rooted in comparison and poor self esteem. Emily Roberts, a psychotherapist for Hartstein Psychological Services, explains, “In the mental health field, we have found that the summer months often make eating disorders and mental health symptoms worse. We often notice an increase in anxiety, depression, body dissatisfaction and negative self-talk. More clients report skipping meals, over-exercising and spending time obsessing about their bodies and food.” We have all spent so much time in front of the mirror staring at the way we look, only wishing that what was looking back was different. Summer makes many-including me-extremely happy, but it can only be fully enjoyed if you are happy in the body you are in.

Unfortunately, we live in a society where we compare ourselves to others, ultimately leading to body image issues. Social media has become a perfect platform for self-comparison, triggering emotions of unhealthy admiration. Melissa Ambroni, a self-help author, describes this phenomena with the term “comparisonitis.” Comparison at a sickening level causes comparisonitis, as well as these excessive levels of dissatisfaction and anxiety, especially during the summer. As a society, we feel that skipping meals and over-exercising is the best way to achieve this dream body image seen so often. It is interesting, however, that only five percent of women possess the ideal body shape that is so prevalent in the media. 

Personally, I have diagnosed myself with comparisonitis, and am working to better myself. In the past I have skipped dinner, edited photos, and given up eating ice cream-even though I absolutely love ice cream. I’ve done countless minutes of planks and sit ups hoping to appear better than I felt. The obsession became worse, and comparisonitis completely took over. Feeling this pressure consumed me, causing me to obsess over how I looked and felt. I am determined to not let it happen again this summer. 

As a society, we must come together to accept that everyone’s body looks different, and that is perfectly okay. We need to stop saying “summer body ready,” and start saying, “every body is a bikini body.” All bodies should be valued and appreciated, as they are the reason for our existence.

Our bodies are capable of so much. It lets us taste the melting cherry popsicle and can inhale the salty ocean air. Your arms allow you to swim through the deep end of the pool, and your legs to jump off that diving board. We are so lucky to live in a world where beauty and experience surrounds us every day, especially in the summer. Do not let negative thoughts impact your ability to enjoy everything this life has to offer us. Most importantly, let’s not punish ourselves because we don’t look a certain way. We owe it to our bodies to give them the love and appreciation they deserve. So, wear that bathing suit you were nervous to put on, and eat-no, enjoy, that ice cream.

Accepting our bodies for what they are is the first step in curing comparisonitis, as well as letting ourselves enjoy the summer anxiety-free. As warmer weather creeps closer, embrace your beauty. I challenge you to tell yourself something positive in the mirror. Do yourself a favor and thank your body for everything that it does for you. Keeping you alive is a lot of work, and it deserves appreciation! Make this summer your most confident one ever. 

Works Cited 

Ambrosini, Melissa. Comparisonitis: How to Stop Comparing Yourself To Others and Be Genuinely Happy. BenBella Books, 2021.

Roberts, Emily. “How Summer Triggers Body Image Issues – Hartstein Psychological.” Hartstein Psychological Services, 31 May 2021, hartsteinpsychological.com/summer-triggers-body-image-issues. Accessed 18 April 2022.

“11 Facts About Body Image.” DoSomething.org, dosomething.org/us/facts/11-facts-about-body-image. Accessed 18 April 2022.