Do you like photographs of yourself?

[Paul]

Do you like pics of yourself?

Regardless of the answer, how do they affect your depression/anxiety?

Paul

[TheSteve]

Good topic. Personally, I avoid photos for the most part but don't really have an issue with them one way or another. I'm generally smiling, so it's cool either way.....

Great second question. A nice picture of one's self (whether it be in your home, on your Facebook/social media page, your work bio, etc.) can be a nice way for one to gain a positive impression of one's self, and to carry this impression in your day to day. It is nice to feel good about yourself, as long as you don't attach too strongly to physical image, this is a net plus in my opinion.  

I'll address where I now see this going wrong. Most of the self pictures, these days, originate from "the selfie". The whole "selfie" culture is quite an odd one. Most of those I know who are looking for that "perfect selfie" are unfortunately not deeply happy people. Their moods tend to swing with the quality of the last selfie they whacked on their Facebook or Instagram/Twitter, whatever, account......

Like anything, enjoy your physical image in moderation. It is certain to change over time, so don't become too attached to it. And don't try to get it perfect every day with your iPhone.......

🙂

Steve

[geoff]

dear Paul, well that;s a question that sometimes we don't want to answer, because other people always say 'don't be silly it's only a photo', well sure it is, but if you are depressed then there is no way I would want to be photographed, and I have seen photos at my worst time and it's like a skinny  white demon walking/sitting who looks absolutely terrible, and this could be done by your immediate family but no one else.

I don't really want to see what I looked like, because it's not only embarrassing but depressing.

Even now I don't want my photo to be taken, but I want someone to take a photo of my puppie as well as myself just to put on this site, because personally I feel that I should, that's only my opinion and does certainly not mean that anyone else should, it's decision that they have to be happy with, so if they don't want a photo posted  then that's their choice and I have no regrets what's so ever. Geoff.

[Stormy]

Hi Lats,

An interesting topic. As it stands currently, I don't like to have my picture taken, I will tolerate it, but I am always picking fault with it. I will often volunteer to take the photo just so I am not in it. I am some times caught out and will put up with it. I have a few photos of my son and I and I feel like an embarrassment to him at times. 

In my younger years when my depression was intense, I hated it. I remember even burning a couple of my photos because I felt I wasn't even worth the paper they were printed on. I couldn't even look at myself in a mirror because I really hated the person I saw. I even turned mirrors around and or put newspaper on them just so I wouldn't have to look at myself.

Stormy

[Paul]

Hey Stormy, Geoff and Steve for your thoughts and experience.

It's so interesting how our own mood or self perception has such a profound impact on how much value we place upon ourselves even to the point of how lovable we are.

It sucks that a few platitudes doesn't fix it - even a few well placed compliments or sincere admiration and love.

The way we see ourselves from the outside and the way we think others see us has to come from inside. Depression and anxiety rob us of that sometimes 😞

Paul 

[Gruffudd]

Well the answer to the question reveals what my mental health is like. It is not the photo, it is my perception. At the moment the answer is no.

[Paul]

Are you OK Rob?

[Gruffudd]

Hi Paul, nice of you to ask.

I'm in the middle, the negative voices are saying quite unpleasant things, but I am aware enough still to manage, I have some work to do I think. 

So that is what happens when I see myself in a photo or the mirror so better avoided just now.

Rob.

[Stormi71]

I generally don't like photos of myself these days. I'm not a vain person and have never worn much make-up in my whole life, but I always took pride in my appearance and made sure my hair was nice, I cared for my skin etc. Photos always showed that. With depression, pride in my appearance took a back seat, especially as I rarely went out anymore. My frequent visits to the hairdresser became almost non existent, my facial skin is terrible to me, and I always look like I've been through sleep deprivation torture. This also reflects in photos, so when I see photos of myself I get upset because it reminds me of what I'm going through and how I seem to have aged so much in a couple of years. If I do need a photo of myself for whatever reason, I tend to do selfies as I take a lot of photos until I get one I think is good, and I can't ask hubby to take 30 photos at a time. 

[Guest_1055]

Dear Paul

That really is a good question!

I have never liked being in photos ever since I can remember. In fact I would hide, just so I would not have to be in one.

And I have never really thought of why. I don't believe I get anxious about it. No let's see um yeah I think I feel self conscious and awkward, like I don't know how to stand, how to hold my face and I know I have trouble smiling, because it feels false to me. Especially when I am not smiling on the inside.  This is hard when you are told to smile.Think I don't like what I look like as well. And a photo seems more permanent or something.

Yes I very good question