"I didn't know I was struggling with body image issues until 4 years ago...we just didn't have the vocabulary for it."Sakshi Sindwani
It's here, the very first episode of Not Fine, Thanks, FIT's new podcast series where we talk about everyday mental health.
On this episode I speak with Sakshi Sindwani, a plus size model and content creator about how social media impacts our body image, makes us feel worse about our selves by constantly throwing unrealistic beauty standards in our faces, and why happens when your success depends on how others perceive you?
Sakshi also opens up about her own struggles with body image issues, and why its time we moved on from body positivity to body neutrality.
Here are some excepts of our conversation.
"I'm just a chubby girl who decided to break the norms of fashion and change the fashion industry because she was sick of seeing that different body types were not being represented. It made her feel bad," says Sakshi, talking about the origins of her social media presence.
I ask her about her childhood, and where this drive came from, to which she responds, "I was bullied in every possible way."
"I was bullied in school, I was bullied at home. I was bullied everywhere I went because I was a big girl."Sakshi Sindwani
"It was terrible, but you know it shaped me into becoming the person I am today. I think it's given me the voice. I am so much stronger now because of it," she adds.
"I didn't start with the intention that I want to be a body positive creator, and I'm still not that. These terms were given to me by the community."
"Now I feel like I sync more with body neutrality than body positivity. I don't think I'm body positive every single day of my life and I don't want to promote that."Sakshi Sindwani
Speaking of her struggle with body image issues, Sakshi says it's an ongoing battle.
"I'm not completely happy with myself twenty-four seven of my life, but it's a journey. I've seen myself go through multiple levels and I see myself keep getting better and better," she adds.
Tune in to the first episode of Not Fine, Thanks to listen to the the full conversation.
Not Fine, Thanks is the Quint's new podcast series where host and health reporter Anoushka speaks to young Indians about everyday mental health. Catch new episodes every Wednesday.
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