[blondndisguise5]

Does anyone have any tools to battle what I am guessing is hormonal related depression? Honestly I am a very happy person but when I have an imbalance or am at the wrong part of my cycle I am so self hating.

Also any tips to positive body image, I feel boarder line eating disorder temptations? I am 5'4'' and 118ish pounds yet I feel so fat even though I go to the gym like 3-4 times a week. Is that fat? I am a very confused person..

[Gemini54]

What you're experiencing is what many woman do. A slightly body dysmorphic attitude towards your body when you 'see' it as hateful and fat.

Realistically you KNOW you're not fat, yet you feel and see yourself as fat. I know exactly what this is like - I've spent the last couple of weeks knowing I'm not fat, yet feeling as if my stomach in particular is fat, because it's slightly bloated (I'm 5'3" and 108 lbs & mind you it is summer here and I've been wearing a bikini).

The thing that I do is try and take the focus off my body. I wear clothes that I know suit me, aren't tight and feel comfortable. Whenever my thoughts turn to 'fat' thinking, I tell myself to be quiet and occupy myself with something else much more useful.

Yea, for me it's a matter of challenging my stupid thoughts, but at the same time nurturing myself by wearing nice things and eating well.

We live in a society where we are often comparing ourselves (or are being compared) to impossible images of womanhood - size 0's, massive breasts, tiny waists, cosmetically enhanced faces. Ya got to laugh at how ridiculous it all is! Is it any wonder our brains go into overdrive when the hormones kick in?