OH-Kay, Let’s Talk About It. In this episode, I’m going into my struggles with “body dysmorphia” and “bulimia”, though I want to stress that I’m using these terms loosely. I’m not referring to the clinical definitions, but rather sharing my personal experiences with these issues in a more casual sense. I’ve spoken about difficult topics before, but I think this one is particularly deep for me.

Growing up as a curvy Black South African girl came with its own set of challenges when it comes to body image. In my late 20s, I’ve realised just how much cultural, social, and personal factors have shaped how I view my body. In South Africa, like many places, there’s a certain beauty ideal that is often very different from my natural body type, and it’s hard not to internalise those messages.

The conflicting cultural identity I grew up with also plays a big part in how I see myself. And of course, growing up, there was the teasing and the rejection that comes with having a body that doesn’t fit the norm, which leaves scars that can persist well into adulthood.

These experiences have left me hypercritical of my appearance, often obsessing over minor flaws. It’s a feeling that’s hard to shake, and it can lead to anxiety and even avoidance of social situations where my body image concerns might be triggered. But healing, I’ve learned, requires redefining beauty on my own terms and coming to terms with my cultural identity. Therapy, too, has been a crucial part of understanding and addressing these issues. It’s an ongoing journey, but I’m grateful for the support and for the chance to share this with all of you.