“I’ve never felt comfortable in really tiny clothes. I was always worried about my appearance. That was the peak of my body dysmorphia. I couldn’t look in the mirror at all.” -Billie Eilish
Body dysmorphia, also known as body dysmorphic disorder (BDD), is a mental health condition characterised by a preoccupation with perceived flaws or defects in one's appearance. People who suffer with body dysmorphia are overly concerned about their physical appearance and believe that their flaws are so significant that they are noticeable to others, even if they are minor or nonexistent. So, while you may think a lean person who thinks they are fat is exaggerating and disrespectful to people who are obese, they might actually be suffering from body dysmorphia, which practically convinces them of their unreal shortcomings. People with body dysmorphia often engage in repetitive behaviours, such as excessive grooming, seeking reassurance about their appearance, comparing themselves to others, or avoiding social situations. Cassie in ‘Euphoria’ gets so obsessed with her appearance, that she excessively grooms herself every morning to seek reassurance from Nate.
Creating awareness about body dysmorphia and its impact on the person suffering is so important, given that a study conducted by the NCBI suggests that 5.2% of a screened population suffers from body dysmorphic disorder. That means 1 in 20 people. That means you come across many people who suffer from an issue such as this every single day and yet jokes about people’s appearances are widely acceptable.
I was single for the longest time and when I joined Bumble to start exploring and going on dates, I realised that I cancelled 100% of the dates about an hour before they were supposed to happen. I was so scared that the person who swiped right on me after having seen me, might be disgusted by how I look in real life (which is exactly the same as my pictures) because they will realise I’m fat. I wasn’t fat but I believed I was, and so, I would skip meals, cry myself to sleep and think that all people will notice about me is this one characteristic which in reality isn’t even a flaw. ‘Fat’ isn’t even a negative adjective, so why was I so conditioned to adhere to the ideal beauty standards?
“Body dysmorphia, overall tremendous anxiety. I suppose it’s because of these tremendous insecurities that I never found a way to become egotistical. I don’t have a six-pack and I hate going to the gym. I’ve been like that my whole life. I never want to take my shirt off.” -Robert Pattinson
How do you know if what you’re going through is body dysmorphia?
Body dysmorphia can cause significant distress and impairment in daily functioning. It can affect people of any age, gender, or background, although it is more commonly diagnosed in adolescents and young adults who are more prone to the idea of perfection and media’s portrayal of the same. The condition can lead to social isolation, low self-esteem, and can coexist with other mental health disorders, such as depression, anxiety, and eating disorders. However, body dysmorphia is very different from having insecurities and a low self esteem, with the former being an anxiety disorder and the latter two, the result of constant conditioning as a child which can be dealt with without any professional help. Here are some signs and symptoms of the disorder:
- Easily embarrassed
- Excessive grooming
- Need for constant reassurance
- Obsessions with various parts of one’s physical body
- Low self-esteem
- Anxiety
- Constantly hiding the area of the body that is thought to have physically defected
- Avoiding social situations
- Weight fluctuation
- Unhealthy diets
- Depression
- Sleep disturbances
"How can my body look so different over the course of one day, and why do I feel like I need to apologise to the world for my ever-changing self?" -Lili Reinhart
Differences of Impact on Men and Women!
While body dysmorphia can affect people of any gender, there are some differences in how it manifests and the specific concerns that may be prevalent among different genders. Here are a few gender differences that have been observed in relation to body dysmorphia:
1. Focus on different body parts
Men with body dysmorphia tend to focus more on muscularity and body shape, often striving for a lean and muscular physique. They may engage in excessive exercise, weightlifting, or use of supplements to achieve those abs and the “perfect” body. Women with body dysmorphia may be more concerned with weight, body fat distribution, and specific body parts like the hips, thighs, breasts, or stomach. They may engage in restrictive eating, excessive exercising, or resort to extreme dieting measures.
2. Societal pressures and ideals
Societal pressures and beauty standards can differ for men and women, which can influence the development of body dysmorphia. Men may feel pressured to conform to ideals of a muscular and masculine physique, often portrayed in media and advertising. Women, on the other hand, may face pressures to meet unrealistic standards of thinness, youthfulness, and a specific complexion.
3. Associated comorbidities
Body dysmorphia can coexist with other mental health conditions. In men, body dysmorphia may be more commonly associated with muscle dysmorphia, also known as "bigorexia" or "reverse anorexia," which involves an obsessive desire to become more muscular. Women may be more likely to have comorbidities such as eating disorders, depression, or anxiety disorders, which can lead to reduced self-esteem.
4. Help-seeking behaviour
Gender differences may also exist in terms of help-seeking behaviours. Men may be less likely to seek professional help for body dysmorphia due to stigma, societal expectations of self-reliance, and a perception that body image concerns are predominantly a woman's issue. This can lead to underdiagnosis and undertreatment in men. On the other hand, women may seek help more than men, but the need to fit the mould of a body type, even after childbirth or suffering from chronic illnesses, is unmatched because of the beauty standards.
"I was 15, and I was insecure about my lips. I have really small lips. And it was one of my first kisses, and a guy was like, 'I didn't think you would be a good kisser because you have such small lips. But I took that really hard. Just when a guy you like says that — I don't know, it just really affected me." -Kylie Jenner
How to deal with it?
Dealing with body dysmorphia can be challenging, but we have some strategies that can help you improve your overall well-being. Here is what you can do:
Recognize the problem
Acknowledge that you have body dysmorphia and understand that your perception of your appearance may be distorted. Educate yourself about the condition to better understand its nature and effects.
Seek professional help
Consult with a mental health professional, such as a therapist or psychologist, who specialises in body dysmorphia. They can provide a proper diagnosis, develop a treatment plan, and offer support throughout your recovery. The therapist can assist you in developing healthier perspectives and coping strategies.
In some cases, medication such as selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) may be prescribed to help manage symptoms of body dysmorphia. Consult with a psychiatrist to determine if medication is appropriate for you.
Avoid compulsive behaviours
Try to resist engaging in repetitive behaviours that fuel your preoccupation with your appearance, such as excessive grooming, mirror checking, or seeking reassurance from others. Gradually reduce these behaviours with the guidance of a therapist.
Challenge negative self-talk
Notice when negative thoughts or self-criticisms arise and challenge them with more realistic and positive statements. Focus on your strengths, accomplishments, and qualities that are unrelated to your appearance.
Build a support system
Surround yourself with understanding and supportive individuals who can provide encouragement and reassurance. Sharing your experiences with trusted friends or joining support groups can also help you feel less alone in your journey.
Practice self-care
Engage in activities that promote self-care and self-esteem, such as exercising regularly, eating a balanced diet, getting enough sleep, and engaging in hobbies or activities you enjoy. Treat yourself with kindness and compassion.
Limit exposure to triggers
Be mindful of media and social media consumption that may trigger negative thoughts or comparisons. Unfollow accounts that promote unrealistic beauty standards and focus on body positivity and self-acceptance instead.
Give yourself time and patience
Be gentle with yourself and celebrate small victories along the way.
It is important to understand that your body needs nutrition, water and proper food to continue running because it is, in fact, like a machine. If there is no input in terms of food, there will not be any energy in you to continue with your day. As much as we understand how it feels dejected by the way you look or feel, we only find ourselves eligible enough to give you suggestions as to what you can do. Your relationship with your body is personal and therefore, I am not trying to tell you what to do with it but I do encourage you to be patient with your body, be kind to it, and learn to give it a little rest from time to time.
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