Content writer: Safa Sajith Content Editor: Ratan Ravichandran Blog Designer: Elsa Aziz We're often told not to comment on the external appearance of others. But very little are we told not to do this to ourselves. "Yuck! Your ears look so big like that of an elephant's. You're so disgusting!"- Imagine how overwhelmingly destructive it would be to shame and belittle ourselves like this! Some people have faulty perceptions about their looks and believe that they're too ugly to be accepted by others. When these thoughts become obsessions that impairs your day-to-day life, these might be signs that you suffer from Body Dysmorphia. Body Dysmorphic Disorder or BDD is a neurological condition that affects 1 in every 50 people, irrespective of gender. It is the most common among youth. Most of them often spend 3-8 hours in front of mirrors, repeatedly checking for flaws in their body. Some avoid mirrors in all possible situations because of the high functioning distress they experience when seeing their reflection. This is because they analyse minute details on their body, defects which may or may not exist, rather than viewing themselves as a whole. Seeking constant reassurance and social comparison are often prevalent in people with the disorder. Too frustrated with what others may think of their physique, they either isolate themselves from society or use large amounts of cosmetics to hide their features. They may also suffer from depression, eating disorders like bulimia and anorexia, and other mental illnesses. They're often indulged in compulsive behaviours like self-grooming, skin picking or even substance abuse. 80 percent of the population with BDD have lifetime suicidal thoughts, among which 25 percent attempt it. These symptoms get worse with age if left untreated. The exact cause of Body Dysmorphic Disorder is not yet known. The reason could be genetics; studies suggest that BDD is likely to run in families. It could also be due to environmental factors such as childhood emotional neglect or other traumatic events. All these can cause chemical imbalances in the occipital cortex of your brain, resulting in abnormalities in your visual processing, thereby, rendering the individual with cognitive, emotional and behavioural difficulties, draining your life. People with BDD perceive this difficulty as physiological rather than psychological. Hence, they naturally prefer seeking plastic surgery rather than healing their damaged inner self. BDD isn't curable, but treatments can improve the symptoms. This requires long term commitment as it may take a year or longer. BDD is treated with a combination of therapy like CBT, and SSRI, an antidepressant that interferes with serotonin in the brain to help control obsessions and repetitive behaviours. At times, when the person with BDD indulges in self-harm, hospitalization may also be required. BDD isn't curable, but treatments can improve the symptoms. This requires long term commitment as it may take a year or longer. BDD is treated with a combination of therapy like CBT, and SSRI, an antidepressant that interferes with serotonin in the brain to help control obsessions and repetitive behaviours. At times, when the person with BDD indulges in self-harm, hospitalization may also be required. BDD, despite being a serious disorder, hasn't gained much recognition. If you know a person with BDD, it is essential to be cautious of the following while having a conversation with them: 1. Create a judgement-free space to help them express themselves. 2. Do not invalidate their feelings by talking about your insecurities. 3. Do not mock them for being silly. Instead, give them the assurance they need whenever required. 4. Encourage them to seek help from a therapist, and celebrate even the smallest of their steps. Yes, people struggling with mental health may have irrational thoughts! But this doesn't lessen the fact that their feelings are real. By understanding this, and showing empathy, perhaps, we can take humanity to the next level! References: https://www.therecoveryvillage.com/mental-health/body-dysmorphic-disorder/related/how-to-help-someone-with-body-dysmorphia/ https://www.hopkinsmedicine.org/health/conditions-and-diseases/body-dysmorphic-disorder https://youtu.be/e5Uifr9478w
2 Comments
ANAM HASSAN
6/17/2021 12:42:38 am
Reallllyy informativee
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1/10/2023 12:26:47 am
This post is very easy to read and understand without leaving any details out. Great work! Thanks for sharing this valuable and helpful article.
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