Healing Inside and Out: The Connection Between Body Image and Mental Health
Changes to the body, whether from surgery, injury, medical treatments, pregnancy, or natural aging, can have a profound effect on how we see ourselves. Scars, stretch marks, and other marks on the skin often carry emotional weight that goes beyond their physical appearance. These natural reminders of life experiences can affect confidence, self-esteem, and overall mental health. Addressing both the emotional and physical aspects of body image can help individuals reclaim confidence, foster self-love, and support mental well-being.
Meet Becca, the founder and artist at Wisconsin’s Studio Evrē
“I started Studio Evre to help people feel confident and whole in their skin again. With a compassionate approach, I use paramedical tattooing to support those on a journey of healing and self-love. Through my approach, I’ve created a space where my clients’ transformations are personal, empowering and rooted in care.”
-Becca Shortreed
Founder & Artist
Studio Evrē
How Body Changes Affect Mental Health
Our bodies tell stories of resilience, healing, and life experiences, but sometimes the marks left behind can impact mental health in unexpected ways:
Self-Consciousness and Low Confidence: Scars or stretch marks may lead to discomfort in social situations or avoidance of certain activities, affecting overall self-confidence.
Emotional Stress: Repeated focus on body changes can contribute to anxiety, depressive feelings, or negative self-talk.
Identity and Self-Perception: Significant body changes can challenge how people see themselves and their identity, influencing overall mental wellness.
Reminders of Trauma: For some, scars can act as visual reminders of painful or traumatic experiences, triggering memories of medical procedures, accidents or difficult chapters in life.
What’s encouraging is that research shows a strong connection between how we view our bodies and how we feel emotionally. People who feel better about their appearance often experience improved mood, confidence, and resilience. At the same time, strong mental health supports physical healing and self-acceptance (Mental Health Foundation, 2019).
Building a Positive Body Image
Improving body image doesn’t mean erasing scars or stretch marks. It means nurturing a sense of acceptance and empowerment. Steps toward a healthier body image include:
Aesthetic and Paramedical Support:
At Studio Evrē, services including scar camouflage, areola restoration, and skin revision treatments are designed to help individuals feel more comfortable and confident in their skin. These treatments can reduce the appearance of scars or discoloration, which often lessens the emotional weight they carry.
For example, someone who has undergone a mastectomy may choose areola restoration to help feel whole again, supporting emotional closure after a long healing journey. Another client might opt for scar camouflage following an injury or surgery, helping the area blend more naturally with the surrounding skin.
These services don’t just change how the skin looks; they can change how a person feels about themselves. When the outer appearance aligns more closely with inner healing, confidence and comfort often follow. Paramedical tattooing can complement therapy by addressing external reminders of trauma or medical procedures, creating a bridge between emotional and physical healing.
Therapy and Emotional Support: Professional counseling with Forward Healing Therapy can help process feelings about body changes, develop coping strategies, and rebuild self-esteem.
Mindful Self-Care: Engaging in practices that honor your body, such as gentle movement, skincare, and mindful reflection.
Community and Connection: Sharing experiences with others who understand can reduce feelings of isolation and shame.
When to Seek Support
If body-related concerns are affecting daily life, social interactions, or emotional health, it may be helpful to reach out to:
Licensed Therapists: For guidance in processing emotions related to body changes.
Paramedical Tattoo and Aesthetic Professionals: For non-invasive solutions to help improve appearance, reduce self-consciousness, and support overall confidence.
Moving Toward Healing
Scars, stretch marks, and other marks are part of life’s journey, but they don’t have to define how we feel about ourselves. Combining mental health support from Forward Healing Therapy with paramedical treatments at Studio Evrē can help individuals regain confidence, celebrate resilience, and embrace a healthier relationship with their bodies.
Reference
Mental Health Foundation. (2019). Body Image Report: How we think and feel about our bodies. https://www.mentalhealth.org.uk/our-work/research/body-image-how-we-think-and-feel-about-our-bodies/body-image-report-introduction