We all have things about ourselves that we feel insecure about, or wish we could change,
and that is totally normal.
However, if you find yourself obsessed with the way you look, or you are concerned about
what others think about you, or you believe that a certain flaw on your body is preventing
you from achieving your goals, then you might be suffering from a condition known as body
dysmorphic disorder.
Body dysmorphic disorder is popularly known as BDD or body dysmorphia.
This rare mental health condition is often misunderstood and most people who suffer from
it are often not taken seriously.
Body dysmorphia is a long-term disorder of focused anxiety where an individual focuses
on or puts attention to a perceived imperfection for a long period of time.
Research shows that about 1.5 million people in the United States suffer from this mental
health disorder.
But how can you know that you are suffering from body dysmorphia?
In this video, we will discuss 6 signs to look out for to see if you are dealing with
body dysmorphia.
1) You Are Obsessed With A Particular Flaw In Your Body
One of the signs that indicates you are suffering from body dysmorphia is if you are super obsessed
with a particular flaw in your body that you believe you have.
Regardless of what other people may tell you about yourself, you are still obsessed with
it as you perceive this flaw to be extremely negative.
Nobody can reassure you about a particular body issue.
It is important to note that people who suffer from body dysmorphia are usually not obsessed
with their entire body, instead, they are usually obsessed with one particular part
of their body that they think has flaws.
This could be your body weight, some feature on your face, your skin, or any other part
of your body.
If you have been obsessed with a certain perceived imperfection and no one’s opinion seems
to change your obsession, then you could be suffering from this mental health condition.
2) You Are Overly Concerned With Your Appearance
We all get insecure about our appearance once in a while.
However, if you worry about it to the point that it prevents you from doing things that
you love, then you could be suffering from body dysmorphia.
When suffering from this mental disorder, your insecurities will not go away.
In fact, they will keep getting worse with time.
People suffering from body dysmorphia spend too much time worrying about certain flaws
in their body and their obsession is often invasive and unending.
Your obsession with your appearance will keep getting worse to a point where it may interfere
with your ability to work, and will affect your focus on important tasks.
3) Your Obsession Affects Your Confidence & Self-Esteem
If your physical imperfections are affecting your self-esteem and confidence, then you
could be suffering from body dysmorphia.
You may feel that you cannot get your dream job because of your imperfection, or you cannot
find someone who genuinely loves you because of your perceived body flaws.
More often, you find yourself avoiding social settings, interacting with friends, and dating.
You believe that you are not good enough and this greatly affects the way you interact
with other people.
You may find yourself going to great lengths to avoid socializing with other people, and
even your own family.
4) You Constantly Compare Yourself With Others
It is normal to compare yourself with others once in a while.
If you have a competitive personality, this may be a no brainer.
But, if you find yourself often comparing your appearance with other people around you
all the time, then you could be suffering from body dysmorphia.
If you are obsessed with your appearance, you will often find yourself comparing your
appearance with other people around you, and in most cases, you often think lowly of yourself.
You think that other people around you look better than you.
For example, you are obsessed with how every person in the gym has a flat belly, while
you have a not so flat stomach.
When you have a negative perception about yourself when you compare yourself with others,
then you could be suffering from this mental health disorder.
Remember everyone is on their own journey and self-acceptance is a key to happiness.
5) You Often Ask Others Their Opinion About Yourself
Do you seek validation and reassurance?
This could be another sign that you are suffering from body dysmorphia.
If you are obsessed with certain body features, then you will constantly find yourself seeking
reassurance from others around you.
And even when other people tell you that you look gorgeous or beautiful, you will still
not believe them.
6) Your Relationship With The Mirror Is Complicated
People who have body dysmorphia usually have a very complicated relationship with mirrors.
Some people who are suffering from this condition tend to avoid mirrors because of fear about
their appearance.
On the other hand, others tend to be obsessed with mirrors and often spend a lot of time
monitoring and altering their appearance.
So, if you find yourself either too obsessed with the mirror or tend to avoid it as much
as you can, then you may be suffering from body dysmorphia.
Body dysmorphia is not something that you have to live with, and help is available.
Body dysmorphia can lead to other serious conditions such as depression and anorexia.
Click the link below for more info.
Do you suffer from body dysmorphia?
Share your story with us in the comments.
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