Source: BuzzFeed – LGBTQ – www.buzzfeed.com
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This post contains discussion of body image issues.During a recent appearance How to fail on Elizabeth Day On the podcast, the actor revealed his own struggle with body image over the years and while in public — and it really is. Really Refreshing.“I still go to the gym sometimes, but I get really anxious,” he admitted. “I look at myself in the mirror and just think, ‘You don’t look good enough,’ or ‘You’re letting it go.'”Luke also said he suffers from “severe anxiety” as a result, especially in situations where he is likely to expose himself in public, such as at the beach.“I was at the beach not too long ago and I didn’t want to take off my T-shirt,” he said. “I don’t want to be in that place. I know I shouldn’t feel that way, but, you know, we’re sensitive creatures, we’re very sensitive.”“Despite how I look, I’m very sensitive.”Luke also talked about how being regularly photographed and videotaped has contributed to his body image issues. “The scary thing about my industry is that I’m constantly reminded of the movies I’ve made over the decades,” he said. “Back then I didn’t have a single wrinkle or gray stubble on my face, but all my stubble was stubble. Now it’s gray.”He also said that he would probably “let it all go” if it weren’t for the physical expectations that movie roles sometimes demand. “I don’t really care, but it’s part of my job,” he explained. “I’m being cast in certain roles that require a certain amount of physical strength and aesthetics. It probably kept me on the straight and narrow, so that was good.”“When I walk down the street and I see some guy at the bar or the gym, he’s so confident and I just think, ‘Wow,’ it makes it look so easy. When you do that, it is.” When you have to put it out there, it’s a very hard job. ”Luke also explained that he found his own way of dealing with things and ultimately found a new way of self-acceptance.“I’m not very confident in a lot of things about myself, but I’ve learned to deal with it rather than ignore it, and I’ve learned to understand the reasons for it and process it, but it doesn’t go away.”I’m glad he’s being honest about this. Admittedly, some men find it quite difficult to do so. You can listen to the entire episode here.The National Alliance on Mental Illness Helpline is 1-800-950-6264 (NAMI) and provides information and referral services. GoodTherapy.org is an association of mental health professionals from more than 25 countries supporting efforts to reduce harm in treatment.
