#bddawareness

Disclaimer: The primary intention of this narrative is to increase awareness and enhance understanding about BDD and not in any way written as a health guide. The author of this blog is not a healthcare professional and has very limited knowledge and understanding about the mentioned mental health problem. If you suffer from BDD or showing symptoms of BDD, it is best to consult a healthcare professional as soon as possible for treatment.

When the use of social media dramatically emerged, being insecure about our looks became easier and more rampant, especially constantly comparing ourselves to the people we see on social media. While social media usage is not the primary cause of Body Dysmorphic Disorder, it still contributes to the rising cases of people, especially teenagers, suffering from the mentioned mental condition.

Body Dysmorphic Disorder (BDD), or Body Dysmorphia, is a mental health condition wherein a person constantly worries about their looks and appearance more than usual. The flaws of a person with BDD are oftentimes imperceptible to other people. Worrying about how we look like is common, especially when we wanted to look presentable, but for people with BDD, their level of worries is beyond accustomed. They spend a lot of time checking themselves in the mirror, concealing a body part with makeup or clothing, constantly exercising and grooming, constantly comparing themselves to other people, avoiding social interactions or activities, feeling anxious, depressed, ashamed, and sometimes thinking about suicide. 

Body Dysmorphic Disorder is beyond being insecure. If a person has BDD, they become obsessed with a certain body part and they either conceal or modify that body part to feel good about themselves. A person with BDD has their daily activities affected because, again, they avoid social interactions and don’t go out of the house, especially during the daytime. 

The cause of BDD is said to be a combination of environmental, psychological, and biological factors. Aside from that, bullying or even jokingly teasing can contribute to the onset of BDD, so watching your every word is important.

If you are experiencing or having symptoms of BDD, it is important to seek professional help. BDD gets worse as you age so it is crucial to treat it as early as possible. The state of your mental health affects the quality of your life, so it is beyond critical to look after your health.

Written by: Angelika Cual