Navigating Body Image Struggles in College: A Message to My App State Girlies (and Beyond)
June 23rd, 2025
Hi, I’m Ceara, an eating disorder therapist at Life in Bloom Therapy and a proud App State alum!
I get it—college is a whirlwind. You’re finally on your own in the breathtaking Blue Ridge Mountains, expected to act like an adult, but maybe you’re still figuring out how to do laundry or cook anything beyond ramen.
Between chasing good grades, joining clubs, keeping up a social life, and dodging the “freshman 15,” the pressure is real. And let’s be honest: the fear of gaining weight or not looking a certain way can take up way too much space in your head.
Social media, with its endless highlight reels, and everyone around you searching for their “forever” partner can make you feel like you need to fit a mold to be successful, loved, or enough.
As an eating disorder therapist in Boone, I’ve worked with so many App State students who feel this weight—pun intended. Body image struggles aren’t just about appearance; they’re tied to your sense of self, confidence, and mental health.
Whether you’re stressing about how you look in that Instagram post or feeling overwhelmed by dining hall choices, you’re not alone. Here are four gentle steps to help you navigate body image challenges and rediscover your inner spark.
1. Pause and Check In with Yourself
Take a moment to notice your thoughts without judgment. Are you comparing yourself to others on social media? Feeling anxious about fitting into last year’s jeans? Write down one thing you appreciate about your body today—it could be as simple as “My legs carried me up the hill to class.” This small act of self-kindness, rooted in the mindfulness we use at Life in Bloom, can shift your perspective over time.
2. Curate Your Social Media Feed
Social media can amplify body image stress, but you have control. Unfollow accounts that make you feel “less than” and follow ones that celebrate real, diverse bodies or focus on your passions (like hiking on Boone’s gorgeous trails!). Try setting a timer for 15 minutes of scrolling to avoid getting sucked into comparison traps. This helps create mental space for what truly matters to you.
3. Focus on What Your Body Does, Not How It Looks
Your body is more than its appearance—it’s what lets you dance at frat parties, hike Grandfather Mountain, or ace that presentation. Try a gratitude practice: each day, name one thing your body helped you do, like “I laughed with my friends at coffee.” Our therapist at Life in Bloom use this strengths-based approach to help you reframe how you see yourself.
4. Reach Out for Support
You don’t have to navigate this alone. Talking to a trusted friend, joining a campus group, or working with a therapist can make a huge difference. At Life in Bloom, we specialize in helping college students like you with body image, eating disorders, and anxiety through virtual therapy across NC. Our therapists bring a warm, understanding approach to help you feel seen and empowered.
You Are Enough, Just as You Are
My dream for you, whether you’re an App State Mountaineer or beyond, is to feel free to be yourself—without the pressure to look a certain way. College is about discovering who you are, not fitting into someone else’s mold. If body image struggles are dimming your light, we’re here to help you shine again.
Ready to take the next step? Book a free consultation with one of our amazing therapists at Life in Bloom Therapy to explore how therapy can support your journey. You got this!
