Living with a disability can come with physical, emotional, and social challenges—but it doesn’t mean you can’t thrive in your body. In a powerful piece for Psychology Today, writer and disability advocate Dr. Lauren Muhlheim shares how people with disabilities can reclaim body confidence and wellbeing, even in a world that often sends ableist and appearance-focused messages.
By Devon Frye – Psychology Today
Rather than striving to “fix” your body, Muhlheim encourages a mindset shift:
“Your body is not the problem—systems, attitudes, and lack of access are.”
The article explores the intersection between disability and body image, highlighting how societal pressure to conform can harm self-worth. It suggests actionable ways to support positive embodiment:
- Focus on function over form
- Build a care team that respects your lived experience
- Limit exposure to appearance-focused media
- Connect with disability-affirming communities
This is a call to embrace dignity, self-compassion, and joy—on your terms. Thriving isn’t about being “normal,” it’s about being you, fully and unapologetically.
