Body dysmorphia is a serious mental health disorder which comes with poor body image. Issues with body dysmorphic disorder can lead to eating disorders and addiction to vanity through surgical procedures or other extreme forms of “beautifying”.
Critiquing The Body Isn’t So Normal
It’s unfortunate that today’s society has taught young adults and women to complain about themselves and the way that they look. Why is it that an acceptable social conversation can revolve around hating on one’s body and image? Typically, people are fishing for validating. Many people struggle with some kind of body image issue or body insecurity. Body dysmorphia is an unhealthy obsession with perceived physical flaws. Someone in your group who never receives a compliment or seems chronically unhappy with themselves because of a particular part of their appearance they perceive as flawed could be struggling with body dysmorphia.
If You Could Only Hear Their Thoughts
You might find them checking themselves out in the mirror or any kind of reflection, any chance they get. They seem relentlessly unhappy yet don’t go into great detail about why. They might tell you that they can’t stop thinking about a particular body part or how unhappy they are with the way that they look. What you aren’t aware of is the chronic rumination in their minds regarding this obsession. Their thoughts about their body parts feel like an unwanted visitor. Unable to ignore the critical voice inside their head, they are being reminded of how imperfect they are regular.
Their Beauty Routine Is Fussy
“Everyone has that one friend” who takes forever to get ready. Their daily routine of beauty is long and tedious. They refuse to leave the house until they have done everything they need to do to feel completely secure in their image. If you interrupt or try to tell them they look fine, they might even react with extreme emotions. Look for behaviors like obsessive makeup use, having to dress a certain way, and repeatedly stepping on a scale.
You’re beautiful and wonderful, just the way you are. At LEAD Recovery Center, we understand how hard it can be to believe that. If you are struggling with BDD, our programs can help you learn to live your life in a healthy and balanced way. Through clinical support, healing, and immersive adventure experience, you’ll learn there is so much more in life waiting for you. For more information, call 1-800-380-0012.
