Understanding Body Dysmorphic Disorder: How To Cope With Body Dysmorphia
It can often feel as though outward appearances are everything in today’s society. DailyOn a daily basis, we are seemingly bombarded by advertisements that subtly imply we need to buy certain products to look our best.
With all the unnecessary emphasis society tends to place on appearance, it can be difficult not to feel immense pressure. We might hold ourselves to unrealistic and unattainable standards of beauty. We may even develop a falsely negative view of our own appearance, which can lead to detrimental effects on our self-worth and self-esteem.
This article aims to explain and examine the reality of body dysmorphic disorder, often referred to as “body dysmorphia.” This condition can wreak havoc on our mental health and cause anxiety and low self-esteem. However, this article aims to detail the symptoms of body dysmorphia, along with the various coping strategies available.
What is body dysmorphic disorder?
Body dysmorphic disorder, or BDD, is defined as “a mental health condition that causes an individual to be so distraught over their physical appearance it impacts their ability to live a full life”. Those who experience this condition often find themselves so consumed by negative thoughts regarding their appearance, that their ability to execute daily functions such as work, socializing, self- care activities, or hygiene is severely impacted.
While BDD is a challenging condition with no singular path to recovery, there are a variety of ways to cope with body dysmorphic disorder, such as talk therapy or selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs). As this condition can greatly impact on mental health, it is often crucial to seek help to cope in healthy ways.
What causes body dysmorphia?
When gaining insight into body dysmorphic disorder, we might ask, what causes such debilitating feelings of self-loathing regarding our appearance and how we view ourselves? While a direct cause for BDD has not yet been identified, experts say there are a variety of factors that can contribute to its development, including:
- Traumatic experiences: Abuse or bullying, especially during adolescence, can lead to a negative self-image and obsessions about appearance.
- LGBTQIA+ identity: Research suggests a potential link between LGBTQIA+ individuals and BDD, possibly due to experiences of discrimination contributing to low self-esteem.
- Low self-esteem: Individuals with low self-esteem may fixate on appearance, particularly if they attach significant importance to their looks.
- Racism: Experiencing racism or colorism may contribute to negative self-perception, leading to low self-esteem and a desire to change certain aspects, such as skin color.
- Fear of rejection: Concerns about fitting in, rejection, or loneliness can foster thought patterns that contribute to BDD, especially if one believes a certain appearance is necessary for social acceptance.
- Perfectionism and comparison: Striving for physical perfection or frequently comparing oneself to others, as well as engaging in appearance-focused activities, may increase the risk of developing BDD.
- Genetics: There is evidence suggesting a higher prevalence of BDD in individuals with family members who also have the disorder, though it's unclear whether it's due to genetic inheritance or learned behavior.
- Mental health issues: Depression, anxiety, and OCD are associated with a higher likelihood of BDD, though the relationship between these mental health problems and BDD remains complex and not fully understood.
Though these causes might be attributed to the development of BDD, it can be difficult to pinpoint the exact reason we have experienced its symptoms.
Recognizing the signs
Body dysmorphia can be difficult to diagnose in a clinical setting due to the variety of causes and varying degrees of severity, therefore, it is important to recognize the signs and symptoms.
In many cases, other mental health conditions exist simultaneously with body dysmorphic disorder, such as social anxiety, obsessive- compulsive disorder, depression, and eating disorders. The scope of body dysmorphic disorder can be far- reaching, so it is crucial to pinpoint identifiable signs.
Symptoms of body dysmorphia can include:
- Obsession with yourself in the mirror, or alternatively an intense fear of seeing one’s reflection in the mirror. You might immediately notice some perceived flaw in your reflection and feel shame and depression
- Obsession with a certain perceived flaw in yourself, such as big eyes, big ears, hair loss, your weight. You might go to extreme lengths to hide this perceived flaw from the imagined scrutiny of others
- Comparing yourself to others. You might fall prey to the delusion that everyone looks better than you
- Self- harm, self neglect
- Inability to accept a compliment
- Avoiding social outings, such as refusing to go into a pool or go to the beach
- Constant grooming and attention to cosmetics
- Feeling the need to have unnecessary plastic surgeries for your perceived flaw
While other mental health conditions can contribute to these symptoms, you might still be experiencing body dysmorphia.
How to cope with body dysmorphia
There are a variety of coping strategies for those who experience body dysmorphic disorder. The efficacy of these strategies can often be dependent on the severity of your condition.
Practicing self-care and getting in the habit of repeating self-affirming mantras can have a positive impact. Finding ways to accept ourselves for who we are is crucial in coping with body dysmorphia.
However, in many cases, it can be far too difficult to cope with symptoms of BDD alone. While cognitive behavioral therapy is a common and effective tool used for treating those experiencing body dysmorphia, other methods of treatment such as medication can be beneficial in helping us change how we think about ourselves for the better.
How therapy can help
Cognitive behavioral therapy, often referred to as talk therapy, is often hugely beneficial for those experiencing BDD. Connecting with a licensed professional through online therapy can be a great way to get started on your therapy journey.
Online therapy can help those experiencing body dysmorphia get out of the negative repetitive thought patterns that often keep them trapped in a state of mental anguish and debilitation.
By replacing negative thoughts with positive thoughts about ourselves, we can get started on the road to recovery. However, it’s important to note that body dysmorphic disorder is a serious condition that often requires a combination of psychotherapy and psychiatry to be treated most effectively.
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