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BODY IMAGE AND BODY DYSMORPHIC DISORDER: What is it?


BODY IMAGE AND BODY DYSMORPHIC DISORDER

As we said yesterday, this week in Mental Health Awareness Week 2019. This is a national awareness week and the theme this year is Body Image.

See Monday's post to see what we are doing this week. We will also be posting everyday this week on Facebook, Twitter and the blog about Body Image and BDD (Body Dysmorphic Disorder).

Body Dysmorphic Disorder (BDD), or body dysmorphia, is a mental health condition related to Body Image where a person spends a lot of time worrying about flaws in their appearance. These flaws are often unnoticeable to others.

People of any age can have BDD and it affects anyone of any gender or sex.

Having BDD does not mean you are vain or self-obsessed. It can be very upsetting and have a big impact on your life. Low mood, anxiety, emotional dysregulation, stress, trauma, self-harm and eating disorders are some of the other conditions that can co-occur with BDD.

Some of the symptoms of BDD include:

* worrying a lot about a specific area of your body (particularly your face)
* spending lots of time comparing your looks with other people's
* looking at yourself in mirrors a lot or avoid mirrors altogether
* going to a lot of effort to conceal flaws – e.g. spending a long time combing your hair, applying make-up or choosing clothes
* picking at your skin to make it "smooth"
* avoiding having photographs taken
* avoiding social situations or isolating yourself from other people
* feelings of shame, guilt and loneliness
* misuse of alcohol or other drugs
* suicidal thoughts

It's really important to get some form of help and support for what you are experiencing. Please know that you are not alone and there are various forms of support and people you can take to this about this. Our Lead Psychotherapist, Alexandra, is currently full and has a waiting list, however, we can provide appointments with our therapist Shirley on Tuesdays or Stephen (evenings) if you would like some support with BDD or body image concerns.

You are not alone. We are here to listen and support you.

Please see the little video below from the BDD Foundation which I hope you find useful, Alexandra :-)

www.eatingdisorderscotland.co.uk
support@eatingdisorderscotland.co.uk

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