Scott Granet, LCSW specializes in the treatment of OCD, body dysmorphic disorder, and anxiety disorders. He has presented at numerous conferences worldwide and has taught continuing education classes at universities and other institutions throughout the U.S., including the Rutgers University School of Social Work, the UC Berkeley Extension, the University of Chicago Crown Family School of Social Work, Policy and Practice and the NYU Silver School of Social Work. In 2008, he opened the OCD-BDD Clinic of Northern California in Redwood City. Mr. Granet is the author of The Complete OCD Workbook: A Step-by-Step Guide to Free Yourself from Intrusive Thoughts and Compulsive Behaviors and Body Dysmorphic Disorder, Mine and Yours: A Personal and Clinical Perspective.
Article3 min read
Your Body Is Not the Problem: How to Overcome Insecurity and Anxiety
- Scott Granet LCSW
- Oct 1, 2025
- 3
Many women struggle with body image in a world of filters and unrealistic beauty standards.
Where Do My Body Image Issues Come From?
While there’s no definitive list of what causes body image issues, experts have some theories based on current research.
Perhaps the most widely discussed is societal pressure related to appearance. Social media, movies, TV shows, and advertisements constantly emphasize idealized beauty standards, the majority of which are unattainable without invasive cosmetic procedures.
Childhood experiences can also have lasting effects on self-esteem and body image. Many adult women who struggle with their body image report being teased or bullied at a young age. Whether the source of the bullying is body size, overall appearance, or a specific physical trait, these negative experiences create lasting emotional scars.
Finally, it’s possible that some women simply have a biological predisposition to worrying about body image. This might include physical brain structure or a chemical imbalance that contributes to obsessive thinking and compulsive behaviors.
How to Change the Way You See Yourself
- Learn to challenge negative self-talk and beliefs. Confront the idea that happiness, success, and satisfaction are linked to appearance. Remind yourself that your life will be just as meaningful without altering anything about the way you look.
- Find gratitude for your body’s abilities. Remind yourself of all the things your body does for you. This might include participating in your favorite sport, creating and nurturing children, or simply giving hugs to the people you love.
- Surround yourself with healthier influences. Avoid consuming media that makes you feel self-conscious or negative about your appearance.
3 Self-Care Practices for Building Confidence
1. Dress for your body type, not for trends
Choose clothing that makes you feel comfortable and confident. Instead of buying clothes to keep up with trends, focus on building a quality wardrobe with classic pieces that fit your unique body.
2. Practice positive affirmations
Positive affirmations are a powerful tool for shifting your mindset and improving your self-esteem. By regularly speaking kind and encouraging words to yourself, you can combat negative thoughts and replace them with affirmations of self-love and acceptance.
3. Follow body-positive role models on social media
Surrounding yourself with better influences can help shift your perspective about your own self-image. Mute or unfollow accounts that promote unrealistic standards and seek content from creators with diverse body types and messages.
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