Guest Author - Laurie Pawlik-Kienlen

How do you know if you have body dysmorphic disorder (BDD) or you’re simply aware of all aspects of your body – both bad and good? According to the Mayo Clinic and MedicineNet.com, there are several behaviors that could indicate a more serious anxiety-based disorder.

You may have body dysmorphic disorder if you:
- Constantly compare your appearance with others
- Refuse to let your picture be taken, or are extremely self-conscious in photos
- Keep checking a certain body part that you think is flawed (eg, your nose or belly)
- Measure the flaw frequently
- Attempt to hide your flaws
- Feel anxious and self-conscious around other people
- Avoid leaving the house unless you absolutely have to
- Call yourself names:“hideous”, “ugly”, and “disgusting”
- Seek surgical enhancements, liposuction, rhinoplasty, etc.
- Aren’t happy with the surgery results, even becoming angry with the surgeon

People with BDD may quit their jobs, refuse to leave their homes, or become addicted to plastic surgery. In extreme cases, they consider or attempt suicide.

Body dysmorphic disorder is characterized by poor body image, disrupted thought processes, and extremely negative self-perceptions. A distorted view of your appearance is central to this disorder. You think you're skin looks terrible though people tell you you look great. You tell yourself that you’re ugly. Perhaps you refuse to leave the house without being fully made up and impeccably dressed.

Other symptoms of body dysmorphic disorder
In addition to the distorted view of your appearance, other symptoms include obsession with certain physical characteristics (particularly your hair, nose or skin), dissatisfaction with the results of plastic surgery, and uncontrollable negative thoughts about your body or personality.

You just can’t stop thinking that you’re disfigured or ugly.

Treatment of body dysmorphic disorder
- Talk to a specialist – not necessarily your family doctor or GP. Find an eating disorders counselor, psychologist, or psychiatrist
- Talk to your friends and family. Attempt to explain how you feel and think; give them the chance to love you.
- Treat yourself well. Get enough sleep, eat nutritiously, and exercise regularly
- Learn how to direct your thoughts to something else when you starting thinking of yourself as fat or ugly
- Realize that what you hear becomes your belief system. If you were told you’re fat and ugly, then you’ll grow to believe that – regardless of your appearance and weight

Why are we so hard on ourselves? Our family, friends, partners may mislead us into believing we’re unlovable the way we are. The media, television, magazines, and movies lie to us when they say skinny, perfect, and gorgeous is the only way to be loved.

Turning it around
Once you value who you are regardless of your skin, nose, weight, or hair – then everything else in your life has the chance to blossom. Figuring out who you are and reaching your potential in life are excellent ways to leave the bad body image habit behind.