Concerns over body image are causing a number of adults to feel suicidal, a new survey shows.
In a poll of 4,500 UK adults, a third said they felt anxious about their bodies, with one in eight experiencing suicidal thoughts.
The survey by Mental Health Foundation lead with body image woes as the main theme for their Mental Health Awareness Week this year, which raises awareness of major issues surrounding mental health.
Taking place from today until May 19, the charity is publishing new research and campaign for change around how we think and feel about our bodies.
Other findings from the survey carried out in March 2019 found that 20 per cent felt shame over their bodies; 19pc felt 'disgusted' with their body image; 21pc said images used in advertising had caused them to worry about their body image, and just over one in five adults and 40pc of teenagers said images on social media caused body issue worries.
Mark Rowland, Mental Health Foundation chief executive, said millions of adults were struggling with concerns about their body image.
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He added: "Many people identified social media as an important factor causing them to worry about their body image - and the majority of respondents felt the Government needed to take more action."
The charity is calling the Advertising Standards Authority to consider re-vetting high-reach adverts from high risk industries such as cosmetic and weight loss products, to ensure all advertising abides by its codes.
They also want social media companies to sign the Be Real Campaign's Body Image Pledge and investigate new ways of using their platforms to promote positive body image and diversity.
Responsibility should also be in the hands of health and education practitioners who can give information to parents about how to present positive feelings about their bodies so that children can learn about body positivity from a young age.
What causes body image concerns?
According to Mental Health Foundation, body image can be influenced by: our relationships with friends, how our family and peers speak about our appearance, exposure to idealised images and pressure to look a certain way.
Body positivity tips
Suggestions from the Mental Health Foundation include: talk to friends, 'spring clean' your smartphone apps, be mindful of the accounts you're following on social media and how they make you feel, and be more aware of how we speak about our own and other people's bodies.
Follow the trending hashtag on Twitter #MentalHealthAwarenessWeek for more news on mental health.
Celebrity special radio message
Prince William teamed up with celebrity stars including Katy Perry and Stephen Fry to record a special radio message marking the start of Mental Health Awareness Week.
The recording released today at 10:59am was broadcast simultaneously across hundreds of UK radio stations highlighting the value of listening and the role it can play in our mental health.
Last Friday, Prince William along with the Duchess of Cambridge and Duke and Duchess of Sussex joined together to launch Shout - a new mental health text line.
The major project, which sees the young royals team up for the first time, is a new messaging helpline for people who may be suffering a "tough moment" and help them move from "crisis to calm".
The young royals launch mental health text line for people experiencing a 'tough moment'
What is mental health text line Shout and how do you become a volunteer?
Samaritans (116 123) operates a 24-hour service available every day of the year. If you prefer to write down how you’re feeling, or if you’re worried about being overheard on the phone, you can email Samaritans at jo@samaritans.org.
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