International Natural Day

History of International Natural Day

The founder of the day, Sanah Jivani, was inspired by a personal event to establish the day as well as the Love Your Natural Self Foundation.

A life-long battle with alopecia caused Jivani to struggle with her appearance during middle school and high school, particularly when she was bullied for wearing a wig and then began to engage in self-harm.

Jivani’s motivation to establish International Natural Day came through a desire to help other kids who have been through similar struggles with wanting to hide the way they look.

The Love Your Natural Self Foundation spread throughout hundreds of schools in the United States, encouraging kids to be themselves and love themselves for who they are.

Inspired by the foundation, International Natural Day began in 2011 as a day for young people all over the world to celebrate the freedom that comes from being natural.

This day is a testament to the courage it takes to stand up for yourself for who you are, as well as the potential growth that can come when a person is empowered to be themselves!

Facts About International Natural Day

Self-Compassion Can Reduce Self-Harm Risk  

Longitudinal research indicates that higher levels of self-compassion and self-acceptance predict lower levels of self-harming thoughts and behaviors over time, especially in adolescents and young adults.

By shifting focus from harsh self-criticism to kindness toward oneself, self-compassion appears to buffer the impact of bullying, depression, and perfectionism on self-injury risk.  

Appearance-Based Bullying Is Widespread Among Teens

Global data from UNESCO show that roughly one in three adolescents worldwide report being bullied, and appearance is consistently among the top reasons students say they are targeted.

In many school surveys, factors like weight, facial features, skin conditions, and hair differences are cited more often than academic performance or family income as triggers for victimization.  

Bullying in Adolescence Is Tied to Long-Term Mental Health Problems 

Studies in the United States and other countries have found that teens who are bullied are significantly more likely to experience anxiety, depression, and suicidal ideation both during adolescence and into adulthood.

Youth who are both bullies and victims (“bully-victims”) show some of the highest risks for self-harm and later mental health disorders, underscoring the importance of early intervention.  

Self-Acceptance Is a Core Component of Psychological Well-Being

In influential models of well-being, such as Carol Ryff’s psychological well-being framework, self-acceptance is one of six foundational dimensions, alongside autonomy, personal growth, and positive relationships.

Research using this model shows that people with higher self-acceptance also tend to report fewer depressive symptoms and greater life satisfaction, even after accounting for income, education, and physical health.  

Body Image Pressures Often Begin Before High School 

Surveys of children and preteens have found that concerns about weight, skin, and other aspects of appearance can start as early as elementary school, particularly among girls.

Some large-scale studies report that by middle school, a majority of students have tried to change their appearance—through dieting, makeup, or hiding features—because of fear of judgment or teasing, which can erode self-esteem over time.  

Positive Peer and Adult Support Protects Against the Effects of Bullying

Evidence from school-based studies shows that students who feel connected to at least one supportive adult and have close, accepting friends are less likely to develop severe emotional problems when they are bullied.

These social supports can reduce the odds of substance misuse, self-harm, and chronic absenteeism, even when bullying or appearance-based teasing is frequent.