#bodydysmorphicdisorder

“Heavy is the crown and yet she wears it as if it were a feather. There is strength in her heart, determination in her eyes and the will to survive lives within her soul. She is you. A warrior. A champion. A fighter. A queen.” -r.h. Sin

Body Dysmorphic Disorder (BDD) is a mental health condition characterized by obsessive focus on perceived flaws in appearance. These concerns often become distressing and interfere with daily life. Despite reassurance from others, individuals with BDD struggle with self-perception and experience significant emotional distress.

1. Obsessing Over Specific Body Parts People with BDD fixate on particular body parts, such as the nose, skin, hair, or weight. They may spend hours analyzing their appearance, convinced that something is flawed, even if others do not see any issue.

2. Feeling Ugly Despite Reassurance Even when friends, family, or doctors assure them that they look fine, individuals with BDD remain unconvinced. Their distorted self-image causes them to believe they are unattractive, leading to frustration and low self-esteem.

3. Excessive Mirror-Checking or Avoidance Some individuals frequently check mirrors, hoping to find flaws to correct, while others completely avoid mirrors due to fear of seeing their perceived imperfections. This behavior can disrupt daily routines and social interactions.

4. Hiding Flaws with Makeup or Clothing Many people with BDD go to great lengths to conceal their perceived defects using makeup, hairstyling, or specific clothing choices. They may refuse to leave the house without these measures, leading to dependency on such habits.

5. Constantly Comparing Looks People with BDD often compare their appearance to others, whether in real life or on social media. This comparison fuels dissatisfaction, reinforcing the belief that they do not measure up to societal beauty standards.

6. Avoiding Photos, Video Calls, or Events Many individuals with BDD avoid situations where their appearance might be scrutinized. They may decline invitations to social events, avoid taking pictures, or feel extreme discomfort during video calls, isolating themselves from others.

7. Distress, Anxiety, or Suicidal Thoughts BDD can cause severe emotional distress, leading to anxiety, depression, and even suicidal thoughts. The overwhelming dissatisfaction with appearance can result in a decreased quality of life and significant mental health challenges.

If you or someone you know is struggling with symptoms of Body Dysmorphic Disorder, seeking professional help is essential. Dr. Zaini Ahmed, MBBS, MD (Psychiatry), specializes in mental health conditions, including BDD. She offers consultations at Sukoon Heart and Mind Care, Sainik Market, Main Road, Ranchi, Jharkhand: 834001. Appointments are available Monday to Saturday from 12 PM to 3 PM. You can contact her at 6200784486 for expert guidance and support.

Managing and Living with Body Dysmorphic Disorder

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