Body Image and Trauma: What’s Really Behind Your Summer Body Struggles
Why Summer Often Triggers Body Image Struggles
Summer can be a difficult time for those with body image issues. With the warm weather comes a time to go outside and enjoy the sun. Everyone prepares for their summer trips, hanging out with friends, and pool days but with this shift in weather comes the annual “summer bod” conversation. Many people kick start their workout routines and dieting to make sure they can reach their body goals before the summer officially starts.
The Pressure to Look a Certain Way During Warm Weather
Now don’t get me wrong, there’s absolutely nothing wrong with having a goal and working towards it but I find it important to consider just why this conversation appears in overdrive during this specific time of the year. Well isn’t it obvious that my body will be seen more, so doesn’t that answer that question? Well yes and no. The better question is why does being perceived cause such distress amongst civilization to where there is an annual push to look a particular way in order to confidently wear a bikini or swim trunks?
What is “Body Image”?
Body image is classified as an overarching umbrella encompassing one’s attitudes, thoughts, and behavior concerning their physical body.
Keeping this in mind, it’s safe to say that anyone who feels the societal pressure to present a particular way in the warmer months, feels this way because there is a shift in their body image. What happens when you just cannot find an appreciation for your body?
What Is Body Dissatisfaction and Where Does It Come From?
There are many things that can contribute to one’s body dissatisfaction. In short, body dissatisfaction just means an individual has persistent negative feelings and thoughts about their body. I think some common answers include things such as social media and the influence of other’s opinions, but what about our body’s unique history? By our body’s history I mean both the good and the bad. Someone who grew up in an encouraging and accepting environment is more likely to have a higher self-esteem and therefore better body image than one who endured a lot of hardship at the cost of their body. Let’s do some unpacking.
The Role of Trauma in Shaping Body Image
Everyone has some level of trauma. Some stories are more intense than others leaving that individual with a variety of scars, but did you know that trauma itself can lead to body dissatisfaction or body image issues? The Body Image Treatment Clinic in London highlights 5 types of trauma that can lead to body dissatisfaction. This list includes physical trauma, sexual abuse, emotional abuse, childhood trauma, and living in unsafe environments. Each of these categories can have their own unique way of adding weight to the luggage trolley that is your body dissatisfaction.
5 Types of Trauma That Impact Body Image
Physical Trauma and Body Changes
This refers to all physical changes in one’s body such as injuries or surgeries. Sometimes these changes can make it difficult to adjust to the change, leading to body dissatisfaction.
Sexual Trauma and Shame
Given the nature of sexual abuse, survivors might find themselves feeling out of tune with their bodies. Others might find themselves battling some sense of shame.
Emotional Abuse and Criticism
This is commonly tied to excessive criticism, negative self-talk, or even body shaming.
Childhood Neglect and Attachment Wounds
Oftentimes childhood trauma can be tied to one of the three areas mentioned above but this can also entail childhood neglect.
Unsafe Environments and Chronic Stress
If your body is subject to unsafe living conditions such as an abusive household or neglect, its cortisol levels will be significantly heightened. Cortisol is your body’s stress hormone and an increase in stress can alter how one views their body and subsequently how they treat it.
When Summer Shame Is About More Than Just the Mirror
How is this relevant to summertime? I’m glad you asked. I think naturally most people can assume that one may feel body dissatisfaction due to external factors creating a narrative that one must look a particular way. I mean, if most of the influencers on your social media pages are emphasizing the changes they’re making to get ready for summer, or you see jokes online about summer starting later this year until a dream summer body is achieved, wouldn’t you be more likely to fall into the thinking pattern that you also need to make some changes?
Understanding the Body’s Story Beneath the Surface
I think the missing piece to the puzzle could very well be our body's own unique story and how its pages still linger, unread in our body. When working with my clients I help them gain a better understanding as to how they developed the thinking styles, behavioral patterns, and attitudes that make them who they are today. Unpacking this, as hard as it may be, helps you feel reconnected with yourself and truly helps you see yourself as that child who was once learning how to navigate the world for the first time; however, that’s not where we end. Now it’s time to offload the baggage. Get rid of it!
The Power of Self-Validation in Healing Body Image
Okay so now you can vaguely pinpoint where some of your body dissatisfaction comes from. Maybe you had a mother who was overly critical about your weight or size and you’ve carried that into adulthood or you were neglected as a child and so you struggle to see yourself and your body as being valuable and worth the effort. Now what? One of the most underrated tools readily available to us all is self-validation. This means countering the negative script that has been written for you by rewriting your story. This looks like learning to accept and love yourself as you are.
What is Self-Validation?
Self-validation is the process of acknowledging and accepting experiences, thoughts, and feelings without the need of external confirmation or judgment. A great example of this can be changing your inner dialogue to more positive self-talk. Find something you love about yourself and reassure yourself of that every chance you get. The tricky thing about trauma is that it paints a picture of us and our lives based on the past, based on black and white colors. Self-validation, used correctly, can change that image into something beautiful, colorful.
How Therapy Can Support Body Image and Trauma Healing
Body dissatisfaction can get messy and even a bit dangerous when considering the pipeline between some negative thoughts to a change in lifestyle habits to appease those thoughts… see where I’m going with this? Body dissatisfaction can potentially lead to depression, anxiety, and even eating disorders when not properly addressed.
If you’re struggling with understanding your personal connection between your body dissatisfaction and your trauma it may be time to reach out for help. There are a few therapy modalities that can help with body image issues and trauma healing.
Talk Therapy for Understanding and Awareness
Talk therapy can help you gain an understanding and equip you with the necessary tools to produce change.
Learn More About Talk Therapy >
Somatic Experiencing to Reconnect with the Body
For some, talk therapy may not be enough. If you feel you are struggling to be connected to your body then it might be with considering a more holistic approach such as somatic experiencing.
A therapist can help guide you in the right direction and be a supportive figure along your journey. If you’re ready for your summer to be filled with peace and free of the weight body dissatisfaction causes, reach out for help today!
Start Your Healing Journey Now
Frequently Asked Questions About Body Image and Trauma
-
Body dissatisfaction refers specifically to persistent negative thoughts and feelings about one’s body, while low self-esteem is a broader issue involving self-worth.
-
Trauma can disrupt your relationship with your body by creating shame, disconnection, or fear. This often shows up as chronic dissatisfaction or even self-hatred.
-
Summer often involves more body exposure, leading to increased social comparison and pressure. This can amplify unresolved body image issues or trauma responses.
-
Physical trauma, sexual abuse, emotional criticism, childhood neglect, and unsafe environments can all impact how you see and relate to your body.
-
Yes. Trauma-informed therapy such as Somatic Therapy can help you understand the root of your body image struggles and build a healthier, more compassionate relationship with your body.
-
Self-validation means acknowledging your feelings and experiences without judgment. It helps counter negative internal scripts and rebuild body trust over time.
Lauren Bradley is a licensed therapist and certified trauma professional who helps clients reconnect with their bodies through somatic therapy, EMDR, and mindfulness. She brings warmth, creativity, and clinical expertise to each session, creating a space where clients feel safe to explore their inner experiences. Lauren is passionate about helping individuals heal from trauma, build self-compassion, and develop a deeper sense of embodied resilience.
