When you look in the
mirror, do you like what you see? Sure, most of us would like to change a few
things about our bodies. Lots of people would like to be taller, slimmer or be
more toned; the list goes on and on. But where most people can cope with what they
see looking back at them, others really can’t. And they see it a hundred times
worse than it actually is. Why?
Body dysmorphia is a mental disorder. Sufferers have symptoms of an actual medical condition. However, the effects can’t be explained by an actual physical illness. It’s primarily a nervous disorder, where someone has a distorted perception of how they look. They may even imagine defects that just aren’t there. Typically, a person with BDD may spend a lot of time worrying about how they look. Convinced they are hideous and ugly, the sufferer doesn’t have a realistic view of what they see in the looking glass.
Image via Flickr
Symptoms of Body
Dysmorphic Disorder can vary, but often include
- Anxiety
and depression
- Feeling
guilty, or ashamed
- eating
disorders
- Problems
with alcohol or drugs
- Avoidance
- Many sufferers try to avoid other people or social occasions
- Avoiding
having photographs taken
- Self
harming and suicidal thoughts
When suffering from
Body Dysmorphia Disorder, it can seem impossible to reach out for help. Many
sufferers feel that their requests may be met with ridicule or just not taken
seriously. It can take years for them to ask for help. Fearing being judged,
they tend to suffer in silence for years while their symptoms worsen over time.
It’s a painful, challenging and lonely condition to have, and shouldn’t be
taken lightly. Mental health issues still all too often hold stigma in many places. Just because you can’t
“see” an illness, does not mean it isn’t there. Attitudes are improving, but
there’s still an awful long way to go! Most people know someone who’s suffered
from depression or anxiety. There’s no need for these subjects to be a taboo in
this day in age.
Treatment for BDD can
vary. Sometimes counselling will be enough to help someone overcome their
negative body image. Medication in the form of antidepressants can be invaluable.
Sometimes, only by changing the body will the sufferer be able to obtain any
real relief. Breast augmentation, liposuction and nose jobs are all
common procedures sought by those with BDD.
There are also
self-help groups available to help deal with the effects of the disorder. The
internet can be a dangerous place for sufferers of image disorders. Full of
unrealistic photoshopped images, they’re intimidating for most of us mere
mortals. But there are also forums where people with BDD can offer each other
encouragement and support.
Body Dysmorphic
Disorder can be defeated, but it’s almost impossible to do it alone. If this
sounds like you or someone you know, do seek help as soon as possible. Do not
feel shame or fear being judged. The condition is far more common than you may
realise.
