Body dysmorphic disorder is a mental condition in which you can't stop thinking about one or more perceived defects or flaws in your appearance—flaws that seem insignificant or not visible to others.
This flaw may not only be visible to you, but it can also affect your perception of yourself and your worth, your interactions with people, and in fact, every single aspect of life. But what's most frightening is that we may not even realize it and perceive it as the norm.
Body dysmorphic disorder and its manifestations:
If you have body image disorder, you focus intensely on your appearance and body image, repeatedly checking the mirror, grooming yourself, or seeking validation, sometimes for many hours a day.
Your perceived deficiency and repetitive behavior cause you significant discomfort and you may experience anxiety.
Symptoms of body dysmorphic disorder include:
The impact of social influences on self-esteem and body image:
In today's world, there is an increased social importance placed on physical appearance and an emphasis on achieving specific standards of beauty. This contributes to the development of body image concerns, especially during adolescence and early adulthood. I constantly compare myself, evaluate myself, and an app on my phone will show me a “more beautiful”, “better” version of myself in a few clicks. Body dysmorphia can also be passed down from generation to generation, and so pressure arises from all sides. I hear and see what I should be everywhere. That is why it is so important to talk about these things, to learn to critically analyze what we see. And most importantly, to realize that the things we see on the Internet may not be real.
People suffering from this disorder show signs of disturbed body perception similar to people suffering from one of the eating disorders.
Body dysmorphia as such has features of an obsessive-compulsive disorder associated with adherence to exercise and diet routines that are presented as necessary to achieve an “ideal body.”
To achieve an ideal physical appearance, these people very often choose procedures that are risky for their health, especially the use of various pharmaceuticals, including anabolic steroids, without reflecting on the risks associated with these procedures, or resort to various forms of drastic diets.
How to solve this situation?
Body dysmorphia can completely distort the perception of reality and self-concept. If left untreated, it can lead to serious consequences for the mental and physical health of the individual. It is important, for example, to confide in those around you and seek out a professional. It is difficult to escape the vicious circle of one's own thoughts without a helping hand.
Admitting the problem and seeking help can be the first step towards finding a better life, one that is happier and free from limitations.
I know what I'm talking about, as a professional coach I encounter this problem of self-perception very often with my clients.
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