S2 E4: Body image – how we think and feel about our bodies

Today we're talking to you about body image, shame and mental health. Frances Shilito, a make up artist to the stars and eating disorders advisor discusses her experience of negative body image, anxiety and what society needs to do to reduce pressures put on young people today. Our expert Antonis Kousoulis will then discuss the findings of our UK wide ‘Body image survey and report’. Danny Bowman then talks about his own experience of body image issues, shame and how this manifested in an obsession with selfies and poor mental health. Our expert Jane Caro then explains what shame is and why it can impact our mental health. We finish the episode with a chat between two friends at the Mental Health Foundation; Linda and Bethan, who discuss practical ways to improve how you think and feel about your body.

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(Apologies for the fizzy background we are working on the sound 😊)

What is the Mental Health Foundation Feature Podcast?
It is a podcast series that brings a range of mental health topics to you. We invite people to come on the show and talk about their own mental health experiences, experts to explain the what’s, why’s and how’s of mental health and end the show with tips about managing your mental health day to day.

Who’s on the show today?
Podcast host: Bethan Buswell - Digital Engagement Officer, Mental Health Foundation: Podcast editor: Tim Butcher - film-maker, writer and producer - www.timbutcher.co.uk/
Personal story: Frances Shilito
Mental health expert: Dr. Antonis Kousoulis - Director of England and Wales, Mental Health Personal story: Danny Bowman 
Mental health expert: Jane Caro – Programmes Lead, Families, Children and Young People & Psychotherapist 
Mental health tips guest: Linda Liao - Digital Manager, Mental Health Foundation

Podcast notes: 
Stories: France’s story: how I think and feel about my body – https://www.mentalhealth.org.uk/stories/frances-story-how-i-think-and-feel-about-my-body
Danny’s story: a fixation on body image and deep feelings of shame - https://www.mentalhealth.org.uk/stories/dannys-story-fixation-body-image-and-deep-feelings-shame
Mental Health Awareness Week body image stories: https://www.mentalhealth.org.uk/campaigns/mental-health-awareness-week/stories
Campaigns: Mental Health Awareness Week 2019 campaign. ‘Body image – how we think and feel about our bodies’ https://www.mentalhealth.org.uk/campaigns/mental-health-awareness-week
Reports: Body image: research report - https://www.mentalhealth.org.uk/publications/body-image-report/exec-summary
Guides: Body image: Tips for you - https://www.mentalhealth.org.uk/publications/body-image-report/tips 
How to look after your mental health using exercise: https://www.mentalhealth.org.uk/publications/how-to-using-exercise
Shame: Brene Brown: Listening to shame: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=psN1DORYYV0&feature=youtu.be


Find out more about the Mental Health Foundation:
Website: mentalhealth.org.uk
Twitter: @mentalhealth
Facebook: @mentalhealthfoundation
Instagram: @mentalhealthfoundation

Get in touch with us: online@mentalhealth.org.uk

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Helplines:
If you are feeling like ending your life, please call 999 or go to A&E and ask for the contact of the nearest crisis resolution team. These are teams of mental health care professionals who work with people in severe distress.

If you need someone to talk to then Samaritans are available on 116 123 (UK) for free, 24/7. They are there to talk to and listen.