Teen Health: Self-Image and Self-Reliance

Defines body dysmorphic disorder, including its causes and symptoms, and the effects it can have on a person’s life, as well as how to get help for body dysmorphic disorder. Also in Spanish.

The Office of Women’s Health page on body image contains information equally applicable to readers of any gender. This site also includes resources on body dysmorphic disorder, definitions, symptoms, risks, and treatment.

An essay by D’Arcy Lyness, PhD, on the importance of body image and self-esteem, how these things can be influenced, and how to improve your body-image or seek help if need be. Also in Spanish.

A PDF guide sponsored by the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services containing information, ideas, and strategies that people from all over the country have found to be helpful in relieving and preventing troubling feelings and symptoms.

Several exercises designed to help young adults build confidence in themselves and their abilities. Also in Spanish.

Nemours’ TeensHealth answers the above question with fourteen strategies for managing lowered self-esteem. Also in Spanish.

A YouTube video of Lupita Nyong’o giving a speech about black women in Hollywood that encourages viewers to learn to love their looks – and themselves.

The American Congress of Obstetricians and Gynecologists has put together a list of frequently asked questions about media and body image for teens. FAQ includes resources and a glossary.

HelpGuide provides self-help tools needed to successfully address mental, emotional, and social health issues. The site contains over 250 articles and other resources covering 31 topics, including loneliness, and collaborates with Harvard Health Publications to provide comprehensive evidence-based information and resources.

Advice on the benefits of extracurricular activities, finding the right activity, getting involved, and how to tell if you’re over-doing it with an activity. Also in Spanish.

The Loneliness Project is the first chapter of An Imperfect Archive of Us, a digital space to cultivate compassion - for others, but especially for ourselves. On this site readers can explore new stories of loneliness weekly.

Rejection doesn’t have to be about the big stuff. Everyday situations can lead to feelings of rejection, too. This article from Nemours’ TeensHealth explores how rejection affects people and how to cope with it. Also in Spanish.

The American Psychological Association discusses the public health risk posed by social isolation and loneliness.