The Weight of Expectations: Balancing Physical Health, Mental Well-being, and Social Pressures
Hello, readers,
It's Eddie Solien here, reaching out to you as a proud LGBTIQA+ member, a Torres Strait Islander deeply connected to Badu Island, and a person who daily confronts the challenges of living with Severe Heart Failure, left ventricle dysfunction, Auto Immune Pancreatitis, and Type 2 Diabetes. These conditions, while significantly physical, intersect with my mental and emotional domains in complex ways, especially when faced with societal and personal expectations of body image and health management.
Today, I wish to address a struggle that resonates deeply with me — the intense pressure to lose weight from those around us, the conflicting messages from our bodies, and the mental toll it takes, sometimes pushing us to the brink of wanting to give up.
The journey of weight management, especially amidst chronic health conditions, is a tightrope walk. On one side, there's the genuine need to maintain a certain weight for health reasons; on the other, the psychological strain caused by constant external pressure and our own internal battles. When you have a heart that sets limits on your physical exertions and a mind grappling with these restrictions, the incessant reminders, suggestions, or even offhand comments about weight can feel like an additional weight strapped to your shoulders.
Firstly, it's essential to recognise that these feelings of frustration and despair are valid. The disconnect between what your body can do, what your mind aspires towards, and what others expect from you can create a chasm that breeds hopelessness. However, from a psychological perspective, it's crucial to unpack these layered emotions and address each aspect with compassion and clarity.
Understanding Physical Limitations because living with conditions like Severe Heart Failure and other illnesses means acknowledging your body's unique needs and limitations. It's crucial to consult with healthcare professionals to understand what's safe and achievable for you. Remember, every body is different, and comparing your journey to others' can lead to unrealistic expectations.
Setting Personal Health Goals towards your health goals should be just that — personal. They should be set by you and your healthcare provider, grounded in your reality. Goals should be S.M.A.R.T (Specific, Measurable, Achievable, Relevant, and Time-bound) and tailored to accommodate your physical and mental health needs.
Coping with External Pressure and fuck the societal fixation on weight can be overwhelming. It's vital to establish boundaries in conversations with friends and family. Communicate clearly about what is and isn't helpful for you. It's okay to express that constant focus on your weight is detrimental to your mental health.
Finding Support Systems away from friends and family and look for support groups, whether online or in person, that understand the complexities of managing weight with chronic health conditions. Peer support can provide comfort, understanding, and practical advice from those on similar journeys.
Mental Health Matters in weight management is not just a physical challenge; it's a mental one. Consider working with a psychologist to address feelings of despair or thoughts of giving up. Cognitive Behavioural Therapy, for instance, can help you develop coping strategies and a more balanced view of your situation.
Self-Compassion is Key and really fucking try to practice self-compassion. You're doing your best, and that's enough. Chronic health conditions add a layer of difficulty to life that others might not recognise. Be kind to yourself in thoughts, words, and actions.
The journey through chronic illness and weight management is fraught with challenges, and the additional external pressures can sometimes feel insurmountable. However, remember that your worth is not defined by your weight, your illness, or others' opinions. Your journey is uniquely yours, deserving of respect and self-compassion. While the road may be long and winding, each step taken in self-awareness and self-respect is a leap towards holistic well-being.
In solidarity,
E
