DEAR DEIDRE: I LOOK at photos of myself and I don’t like what I see. It is really bringing me down.
I’m a 16-year-old girl.
I have been feeling insecure and when I look in the mirror I think I need to change how I look.
Girls online appear so perfect and it makes me feel even worse about myself.
I am only a size 10 so it’s not my weight I’m insecure about, it’s just my face.
I don’t wear make-up as I felt I was better without it but now I feel like covering my face altogether.
DEIDRE SAYS: Don’t compare yourself to those girls on Instagram etc – they mostly Photoshop their images before posting them and the results are unrealistic.
As a teenager it goes with the territory to be conscious of your appearance but limit the time you spend in front of the mirror.
Instead, devote the rest of your day to nurturing the inner you – learning, developing skills, being kind – all more important.
My e-leaflet on Raising Self-Esteem will help.
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