Absolutely dreading summer because I hate how I look

[DownUnderBound]

Once again summer is upon as, as is our family holiday. Once again I'm anxious and stressed just at the thought of it all, does anybody else out there actually despise their bodies? Am I alone? I try to talk to friends in rl, but am usually met with 'oh yeah i wish i had longer legs' or something equally trivial, my hatred goes deep. I keep my body covered shoulder to ankle at all times, even in summer, maxi dress but with cardigan. Even infront of my own family. I can't go swimming. On holiday, I wear a maxi kaftan and just have to sweat at night when we go out. Is there something wrong with me? I just can't do this anymore

I understand exactly how you feel. A few years ago I could have written your post. I used to dread hot weather for the same reasons as you and would never expose any part of my body.

I overcame it by losing weight and actually liking and being proud of some parts of my body. However the struggle has never gone away and every day I dread future events that will involve me wearing certain things and it causes me great anxiety. The only thing that helps me is losing weight but even then I'm definitely not 100% confident just a bit better than I usually am. You have my sympathy.

chocolatefudgecake100 please look up some information on body dysmorphia before you comment. Weight and body dysmorphia do not go hand in hand

Thanku all. It has been this way for many years, weight has been up and down during this time and although of course I feel better whilst slimmer, it doesnt change the original feelings. It is hard to explain, but it's an intense fear of letting anyone see my skin/body...and that I genuinely believe they would recoil in horror/be repulsed. I have to turn down spa hen weekends, swimming, holidays with other families etc so I would say it is affecting my life immensely. Thankyou for all the support as I can't speak of this in rl, I think it's time to seek outside help.

Also for those saying, I have been following the paleo diet (low carb/low sugar/high protein) for a few months now and it is helping me get fit again, which I do acceot will help somewhat with a more positive frame of mind, I just don't believe that it will be a magic solution in the way that has been suggested a bit. It does help though