Some magazines and publications do not take a responsible attitude to the influence they can have on how we feel about our appearance. “Too thin!” shrieks the headline in a well-known celebrity magazine, as another A-lister is accused of being anorexic.

Turn the page and there’s a feature on “soap stars’ saggy beach bods”, as the long lenses capture actresses unfortunate enough not to be a perfect size 8 in their bikinis. Although there are a growing number of magazines who try to take a genuinely responsible outlook, many are frequently contradictory in the message they give out about how you’re supposed to look.

They’re also less than honest: we know that wrinkles, saddlebags and tummy bumps are airbrushed out.  And there’s another thing – have you noticed how it’s now a “perfect size 8” where it used to be a “perfect size 10”. Even perfection is getting harder. Constant media scrutiny is the price celebrities pay for all their fame and fortune. But how does our appearance-obsessed magazine and newspaper industry affect the rest of us?

Try this quiz to find out how much your self-image is being dragged down by what you see and read in magazines and newspapers.

I compare myself unfavourably to photos of seemingly flawless and ultra-slim models and actresses

A: often

B: sometimes

C: seldom

Seeing a stunning picture of an actress who seems to have everything in life makes me feel…

A: jealous

B: not much really

C: pleased for them

If I put on a few pounds I…

A: go on a binge

B: vow to start a diet tomorrow

C: know things will settle down in a couple of weeks

Trying on swim-wear in shops is…

A: deeply depressing and shameful

B:  not my favourite activity, but it’s got to be done

C: exciting – I’ll soon be on holiday

If a celebrity has lost weight on a particular diet I…

A: put all my faith in it and copy it straight away

B: feel a bit cynical, but take note of how they did it

C: know they’ll be in the “too fat” section of the magazine within a year

Mainly As

These pictures are having a very negative effect on you. You probably have a low self-image, and these are making things worse. Read my tips for improving self-image below.

Mainly Bs

You read the magazines with a pinch of salt but can still feel bad about yourself due to these kinds of media images. My tips for self-image improvement will be useful.

Mainly Cs

You’re independent and self-assured. You have an easy relationship with food and don’t allow yourself to feel down because of the way celebrities are portrayed.

These tips will help you to become more of a C type of person:

Stop comparing yourself to celebrities…

Why do we keep doing something that makes us feel bad? Set yourself a target, perhaps an initial month, when you won’t look at images of tiny celebrities. See whether it alters your self-image when you’re not bombarded with pictures of skinny celebrities.

Be cynical

Keep reminding yourself of the following: Celebrities’ faces and bodies are frequently airbrushed – many have admitted it.

Do what makes you feel better (food and losing weight are disqualified)

Don’t say weight loss here, as this potentially sets up an unattainable target which can result in disordered eating. But think of some other things – and they could be quite simple: a bath, a cuddle, a DVD, a book, some music, a phone call to a friend, a walk. Make a list then start working through it.

Have a few simple phrases in your mind, in your diary or on the fridge

…to remind you that you too can be independent and self-assured. Here are some ideas to get you started:

·        The perfect body is unattainable

·        Other people notice my flaws much less than I do

·        My appearance is only a part of the way people evaluate me

·        Losing weight does not make me a success

·        Being confident and outgoing is much more attractive than being size 10

·        Here’s a list of ten things I do really well….

Talk to a Counsellor is a new service that gives people the chance to talk to a professional counsellor immediately over the phone, whenever they need to. All counsellors at Talk to a Counsellor are members of BACP and are qualified with BACP accreditation or hold higher diplomas in counselling. www.TalktoaCounsellor.co.uk