The Adonis Complex: Insecurity
Muscle Dysmorphia and Eating Disorders: Physique Perfection
Myrrhra, per order of the Greek gods, was turned into a tree and Adonis sprang forth from her. He was hidden in the underworld by Persephone.
When Adonis became visible to the real world, Aphrodite adored him. Adonis became the prize between these two feuding, rival goddesses. For peace, Zeus declared Adonis would spend four months with Persephone, four months with Aphrodite and four months of his own choosing.
The Adonis Complex in Men
Men have become more obsessed with obtaining the perfect body image than ever before. The media has pelleted the male psyche with images of handsome, sculpted bodies, boasting flawlessness. via the internet, television, magazine ads, movies, etc. However, the images are not realistic. Where do the borders of reality evaporate into fantasy? Where is the line between truth and fiction? Increasingly, within the male psyche, the boundary has become blurred.
"The Adonis complex is a collection of male body image problems that may include, compulsive weightlifting and exercising, steroid abuse, eating disorders, and full-blown body dysmorphic disorder...exposing a hidden syndrome that likely afflicts thousands of men and boys." [1]
As the anorexic sees himself or herself as fat or overweight, the muscle dysmorphic does not see himself as big enough. This issue is not constrained to men. An ever increasing number of boys and teenage males have become obsessed with their physical imperfections and how to eradicate them. Consequently, there is a mounting insecurity about what the male body should look like as well as how masculinity should be defined.
"Steve Bloomfield of the Eating Disorders Association (Beat) says men account for about 10 per cent of the UK's 90,000 anorexics and bulimics, and warns that their numbers are growing." [2]
Closets of Silence
Since the 1980s, women have become more open about their battles with body image and eating disorders. This is not the case for men. Though there is some revelation, most men will not talk about their insecurities, rather, they suffer in silence.
Problem? Stuffing insecurities and negative emotions, like an overfilled dam, eventually leads to a break. The human structure simply cannot contain the whirlpool. The overflow--depression/anger, for examples, may slap family members or impact work relationships or work efficiency.
Some men take dangerous steroids, or diet pills, or adhere to strict/overly rigid exercising regimes that fail. It is impossible to model after images that are not real.
There are always the billboards and advertisements reminding the viewer that he or she just doesn't add up. These are industries preying upon the minds and emotions of men and women.
Recovery
Insecurity can be dealt with and overcome. Over exercising, struggling with diet pills and using steroids to "bulk up" are compensating for what?
The first step for recovery is accepting and admitting that insecurities exist. The next step: identify them. Realize having a human nature means, absolute perfection does not exist. That is reality.
Overcoming Insecurities
What about the messages blasted upon viewers via the various media sources? Perhaps the first step here is to limit the amount of negative messages received. Simply turn off the television. Don't buy the latest fashion magazines. They aim to sell their products.
Instead, look for positive messages. Read, watch and view material that encourages and builds up, not rips apart or tears down. Make a list of at least ten positives and repeat them daily. Hang a copy on the bathroom mirror. Can't think of any? Brainstorm with a trusted person, and make a list.
Sources
[1] Adonis Complex
Aphrodite and Adonis
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