Avatar Posted by Strange 127 days ago (Question)
Put simply i'm afraid I have body dysmorphia, BUT i'm also afraid that i've looked up so much about it, that i've just imagined I have the symptoms. I don't want to go to a doctor (which I know is really silly) but i'm so afraid they might say I don't have it in which case...i'm just kinda ugly...


Answers

Written by Strange 127 days ago Rating: 0 | Rate Answer: + -

Oh I guess I should have mentioned I posted this, to see if anyone knew the main signs or symptoms, or just advice on what I can do to avoid the doctor

Written by bellacutie 127 days ago Rating: 0 | Rate Answer: + -

Hi,

firstly we're not therapists or doctors and if we were, we wouldn't be able to diagnose you over the internet. Body Dysmorphic Disorder is when the person becomes overly pre-occupied with an imagined or small defect that others wouldn't normally notice. It's hard for me to tell since I haven't seen you. What don't you like about yourself? People who have this spend alot of time thinking about their problem and either avoid mirrors or spend too much time looking at themselves. You would also know if you have it, if you are becoming anti-social because of the way you think you look. Only a doctor would be able to officially diagnose you. If a person is attractive to most people but sees themselves as ugly(and obsesses) then this would be BDD or for if a person became obsessive about some freckles(something minor) etc.

You said you've researched it, but here's a link which gives a good description:

http://en.wikepedia.org/wiki/Body-dysmorphiaBDD

It also states that obsessive compulsive thoughts (OCD) often accompianies BDD. Let us know what it is that you don't like about yourself. Take care.

Written by Strange 126 days ago Rating: 0 | Rate Answer: + -

Well thas what I was worried about, beacuse I don't seem to like much, I wont exagerrate because there are a few things (like my eyes) that I do like but not alot about me

Written by Edahn 127 days ago Rating: 0 | Rate Answer: + -

Whenever people take abnormal psych in college, their professor or their book warns them that they're likely to diagnose themselves with EVERYTHING THEY READ. By the time I finished the course, I was convinced I was an obsessive compulsive, depressed, schizoid, paranoid individual with slight hypochondria and possible bipolar. :) I should probably make clear that I don't have all of those disorders. :)

If I were you, I'd forget about trying to figure out whether or not you fit the diagnostic criteria. Drop the labels and ask yourself: how do I feel about my body? Am I friends with it? Do I put too much pressure on myself? Do I forgive the flaws or am I extremely, extremely critical of them? Am I realistic and can I find some things to appreciate about the way I look? What's my favorite part of my body?

After asking those questions you might conclude that you've been pretty critical of your looks, in which case, just ease off and focus on the stuff you like and take pride in them. Try and talk to yourself reasonably and tell yourself that you are okay and that even in the process of keeping your body HEALTHY (not rail thin) you can still be friends with it and cool with it. Then look to see if there are any habits (compulsive exercise, compulsive dieting, obsessive thoughts) that could be improved and make a commitment to yourself to move past it. By doing that, you can restore your balance and forge a better, more forgiving relationship with your body -- one of friendship.

Maybe, on the other hand, you answered those questions and concluded that you're actually healthy. You take care of your body and think about your looks, but you are not obsessive and can still find things to like about yourself. You may find some faults, but they don't control your entire view of yourself and your body, and you are forgiving of those faults. Trying to improve them is fine when you have an attitude of forgiveness and friendship.

The last possibility is that you aren't sure. That's fine too. If that's the case, then just make an attempt to befriend your body and find stuff you like. Try and remain balanced. There is always room for more friendship with your body whether or not you have body dysmorphia, so it can't hurt. If there WAS any sort of stuff going on, you'll have examined it and cured it simply and easily.

When you try and figure out which possibility you fit into, remember to be realistic and forgiving. You don't have to have everything sorted all out and it's okay if there are some things about your body you would like to improve. That's normal. It's even healthy because it means you are conscious of the health of your body. It only becomes a problem when you start obsessing and become enemies with your body. If you don't feel like an enemy with your body or aren't sure, then don't worry about it and continue making good choices for your body, honoring it, digging it, and being friendly with it.

Cheers.

Written by Strange 126 days ago Rating: 0 | Rate Answer: + -

Wow, thanks for taking the time to write such a long reply :) its given me something to think about (especially that "likely to diagnose themselves with EVERYTHING THEY READ") I can't think of what to say, but I didn't want to ingore it so thanks again i'll try to rethink

Written by Edahn 126 days ago Rating: 0 | Rate Answer: + -

Cool. Just ask yourself those questions and see where they lead you and try and answer from a position of being reasonable about your progress, not just looking for something wrong. :)

Written by Clyde 122 days ago Rating: 0 | Rate Answer: + -

I am glad that you notice things like your eyes that you like. That means good things when it comes to stuff like body dysmorphia.

Best,

Clyde


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