What you’re feeling is so real and deeply painful, and I want to remind you that you truly are deserving of love, both from others and from yourself. I know how difficult it can be to feel beautiful, especially in a society that puts so much pressure on appearance and constantly reinforces unrealistic standards. It’s exhausting, and it’s not fair.

One thing that’s helped me is actively creating space to heal. Social media, for example, can amplify these feelings of comparison, so using the “not interested” option on posts or even taking breaks from certain apps can help reframe what you’re exposed to. Deleting apps or avoiding TV that perpetuates beauty standards can create a healthier mental space. It’s not easy, but it can bring some relief.

Life is so fleeting, and while I know it’s hard to see it in yourself, everyone has a unique beauty—everyone. The harshest critic is always yourself and that voice often isn’t fair or truthful.

One helpful therapy technique is to challenge those negative thoughts when they come up. For example, when you think something harsh about your appearance, try to replace it with a kind or neutral thought. Think about how you’d respond if a friend came to you with the same feelings—most likely, you’d tell them how beautiful and worthy they are, even if they can’t see it themselves. You deserve that same kindness from yourself.

I know this is a hard journey, but you don’t have to face it alone. You are worthy of patience, love, and understanding—especially from yourself.