I need help overcoming insecurity.

DBL_IronDog

I have body issues and need help overcoming these self loathing feelings. Gynecomastia to be specific..... People who know me, have no idea that I struggle. Its all kept hidden well in my head. Anyway..... body issues suck and I would love any advice I can get.
I've come a long way and lost weight and toned up my body a lot, but this problem still persists. So I might have to find a way psychologically to overcome these demons. Thanks!

Azuriaz

Profile says you live in Hollywood, too. Can't be easy, if everything I've heard about the body perfection cult going on there is true.

Body issues do suck. I've got my own, and I'm obsessive about it. I wouldn't give it the power by calling it demons, though, even if it's just a slang term. It's just an annoying insecure brat in our brains that doesn't want to admit we aren't ever going to be perfect and that we don't have to be. I also find it's a great excuse for staying in my shell and not doing new things and meeting new people. Which has gotten so tiring I'm starting to shout down the brat out of sheer boredom with my bubble.

Sorry, probably not much help, like I said, got my own issues.

rungrrl

I assume that you have been diagnosed by a DR.? Did they determine what the cause is. Gynecomastia can be caused by a side effect of medication or an underlying physical or hormonal issue. You could have elevated levels of estrogen or decreased levels of testosterone, either way you should get a very thorough examination including blood work checking your hormone levels. If lifting weights isn't helping surgery may be an option. As far as insecurities, celebrate your body and how far you have come. For each negative thought, feeling, expression that you tell yourself immediately replace it with a positive statement. Write a list of affirmations and put them on your bathroom mirror, on the fridge door anywhere where you are likely to read them. Say them out loud to your self everyday when you get up and when you go to bed. You will feel silly at first doing this and right now you may not even believe in what you are telling yourself. It takes time to reprogram the brain from negative self talk to positive self talk. Start a gratitude journal and every night journal down what you are grateful for. No matter how much of a sucky day you have had. It can be small like," I am grateful I get to sleep at 10 pm instead of midnight " or it can be larger. This helps as well. Good luck!

DBL_IronDog

Azuriaz wrote: »

Profile says you live in Hollywood, too. Can't be easy, if everything I've heard about the body perfection cult going on there is true.

Body issues do suck. I've got my own, and I'm obsessive about it. I wouldn't give it the power by calling it demons, though, even if it's just a slang term. It's just an annoying insecure brat in our brains that doesn't want to admit we aren't ever going to be perfect and that we don't have to be. I also find it's a great excuse for staying in my shell and not doing new things and meeting new people. Which has gotten so tiring I'm starting to shout down the brat out of sheer boredom with my bubble.

Sorry, probably not much help, like I said, got my own issues.

Thank you that actually does help to put things into perspective. I am way to hard on myself mentally and expect a lot out of myself. I appreciate your insight!

DBL_IronDog

rungrrl wrote: »

I assume that you have been diagnosed by a DR.? Did they determine what the cause is. Gynecomastia can be caused by a side effect of medication or an underlying physical or hormonal issue. You could have elevated levels of estrogen or decreased levels of testosterone, either way you should get a very thorough examination including blood work checking your hormone levels. If lifting weights isn't helping surgery may be an option. As far as insecurities, celebrate your body and how far you have come. For each negative thought, feeling, expression that you tell yourself immediately replace it with a positive statement. Write a list of affirmations and put them on your bathroom mirror, on the fridge door anywhere where you are likely to read them. Say them out loud to your self everyday when you get up and when you go to bed. You will feel silly at first doing this and right now you may not even believe in what you are telling yourself. It takes time to reprogram the brain from negative self talk to positive self talk. Start a gratitude journal and every night journal down what you are grateful for. No matter how much of a sucky day you have had. It can be small like," I am grateful I get to sleep at 10 pm instead of midnight " or it can be larger. This helps as well. Good luck!

I have not officially been to a doctor about this subject and may or may not since I have no insurance. But I do believe anything is possible. I love your ideas and think about that often. I guess it's just time to up the hard work like I did with the fitness. I do like keeping notes and writing things down. I think I'll give hat a go. Thank you very much for your thoughts!

Azuriaz

LloydRosen wrote: »

Azuriaz wrote: »

Profile says you live in Hollywood, too. Can't be easy, if everything I've heard about the body perfection cult going on there is true.

Body issues do suck. I've got my own, and I'm obsessive about it. I wouldn't give it the power by calling it demons, though, even if it's just a slang term. It's just an annoying insecure brat in our brains that doesn't want to admit we aren't ever going to be perfect and that we don't have to be. I also find it's a great excuse for staying in my shell and not doing new things and meeting new people. Which has gotten so tiring I'm starting to shout down the brat out of sheer boredom with my bubble.

Sorry, probably not much help, like I said, got my own issues.

Thank you that actually does help to put things into perspective. I am way to hard on myself mentally and expect a lot out of myself. I appreciate your insight!

Glad if I could help! Maybe someday I'll apply the few things I've got figured out to my own life.

CardiLuxe

Damn.. I definitely hear you on that one.
Always been ashamed of my body and didn't see what everyone else saw cause I picked at everything about myself. Leading to disastrous behaviors. But all you can do is accept yourself as you are and owwnnn your best feature while using that powerful upsetting energy into that extra rep or extra mile.
Currently working toward that myself.
Best of luck!

DBL_IronDog

Azuriaz wrote: »

LloydRosen wrote: »

Azuriaz wrote: »

Profile says you live in Hollywood, too. Can't be easy, if everything I've heard about the body perfection cult going on there is true.

Body issues do suck. I've got my own, and I'm obsessive about it. I wouldn't give it the power by calling it demons, though, even if it's just a slang term. It's just an annoying insecure brat in our brains that doesn't want to admit we aren't ever going to be perfect and that we don't have to be. I also find it's a great excuse for staying in my shell and not doing new things and meeting new people. Which has gotten so tiring I'm starting to shout down the brat out of sheer boredom with my bubble.

Sorry, probably not much help, like I said, got my own issues.

Thank you that actually does help to put things into perspective. I am way to hard on myself mentally and expect a lot out of myself. I appreciate your insight!

I keep thinking that myself:)

Glad if I could help! Maybe someday I'll apply the few things I've got figured out to my own life.

DBL_IronDog

Cardi333 wrote: »

Damn.. I definitely hear you on that one.
Always been ashamed of my body and didn't see what everyone else saw cause I picked at everything about myself. Leading to disastrous behaviors. But all you can do is accept yourself as you are and owwnnn your best feature while using that powerful upsetting energy into that extra rep or extra mile.
Currently working toward that myself.
Best of luck!

Yes! Thank you! I'm sorry for what you've gone through, but real people with real issues definitely remind me I'm not alone and to fight on!

rungrrl

LloydRosen wrote: »

rungrrl wrote: »

I assume that you have been diagnosed by a DR.? Did they determine what the cause is. Gynecomastia can be caused by a side effect of medication or an underlying physical or hormonal issue. You could have elevated levels of estrogen or decreased levels of testosterone, either way you should get a very thorough examination including blood work checking your hormone levels. If lifting weights isn't helping surgery may be an option. As far as insecurities, celebrate your body and how far you have come. For each negative thought, feeling, expression that you tell yourself immediately replace it with a positive statement. Write a list of affirmations and put them on your bathroom mirror, on the fridge door anywhere where you are likely to read them. Say them out loud to your self everyday when you get up and when you go to bed. You will feel silly at first doing this and right now you may not even believe in what you are telling yourself. It takes time to reprogram the brain from negative self talk to positive self talk. Start a gratitude journal and every night journal down what you are grateful for. No matter how much of a sucky day you have had. It can be small like," I am grateful I get to sleep at 10 pm instead of midnight " or it can be larger. This helps as well. Good luck!

I have not officially been to a doctor about this subject and may or may not since I have no insurance. But I do believe anything is possible. I love your ideas and think about that often. I guess it's just time to up the hard work like I did with the fitness. I do like keeping notes and writing things down. I think I'll give hat a go. Thank you very much for your thoughts!

Yep, exercise your mind like you exercise your body!