At PIP-UK we often share information about the physical effects of Poland Syndrome. We share stories and experiences of those with Poland Syndrome and have touched on the subject of body image. This is something we’re keen to explore more and understand. We are looking to find a suitable psychologist who can help us provide people with tools and ways to improve self-worth and believe in light of physical body differences.
We know that people with Poland Syndrome will at varying points in their life address the issue with looking and feeling different. For some this a momentary thing and passes with some ease. For others it becomes a psychological burden they feel unable to escape from and can lead to depression and withdrawal.
Teenagers are particularly perceptible to changes, that is all teenagers not just those with Poland Syndrome. However, as their peers change in body shape and sizes, physical differences such as those associated with Poland Syndrome can become more pronounced. A young girl with an undeveloped breast on one side can be very body conscious when comparing herself to peers. The same can be said for young teenage boys.
In our journey to understand more and therefore begin to create some positive and useful information for everyone across all age groups we came across this paper we thought may be of interest. It is an academic paper and written as such. It is definitely worth a read.
We live in a society where “normal” body image is the airbrushed glossy magazines and poster images seen in magazines and advertisements. It’s hard for everyone to deal with when presented with this as “normal”. Leaving some to feel isolated, depressed and very self-conscious whether there is a recognised physical anomaly as seen in Poland Syndrome or just a person’s perception of being different.