3 Reasons why seeing a photo of yourself feels so triggering
1. It flips you into "observer mode."
We live our lives in first person, experiencing things from the inside out. (Even if you're constantly aware of how you look, there is a difference between what your brain imagines versus visual confirmation.) We suddenly see ourselves through the lens of objectification. Beauty culture's value system gets imposed upon us in that moment, and crowds out everything else.
2. It only represents a slice of reality.
A photograph can capture many things, but it does not always translate our energy and how we appear in motion. Photos magnify one dimension of an otherwise fluid, dynamic state. We assign meaning to that static image rather than understanding it in the context of the whole. This can feel disorienting because our vision feels concrete and reliable, but misses part of the picture.
3. We are faced with ourselves.
Many people avoid mirrors and reflections for self-preservation, because they can be triggering. When confronted with a photo, we are forced to look -- and we project all of that pent-up emotional baggage onto the image.
What You Can Do:
Slowly re-integrate seeing your reflection more often.
Use mirror affirmations.
Accept what you can and cannot control. Generally, body size/shape is largely out of our control without sacrificing mental health (use your experience to confirm).
Flood your social media feed with images of diverse body sizes.
Work with a body image coach or therapist to address the parts of yourself that feel impossible to accept.
Keep practicing.
You don’t have to move through life hating your body or your reflection. This work is intentional, time-consuming, and REALLY FREAKING HARD — but it’s worth it.
