Fixing Body Image Problems
Recognizing the Symptoms and Treating Body Dysmorphic Disorder
Poor body image can go beyond comparing your body to others'. Body dysmorphic disorder is a psychological disorder that involves thoughts like, "I am an ugly monster."
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 body dysmorphic disorder. You think you look fat even though others tell you you’re slim, you constantly tell yourself that you’re ugly, or perhaps you refuse to leave the house without being fully made up and impeccably dressed.
Knowing the symptoms and treatment of body dysmorphic disorder can save your life. Fixing body image problems involves recognizing your negative self-perceptions first.
“I look like a hideous monster” and “I won’t go outside unless I absolutely have to,” are typical comments of women struggling with body dysmorphic disorder. “I can’t talk to my boyfriend, I can’t trust him, and I’m scared he’ll leave me.” "I'm ugly and fat – nobody could love me the way I am!" When you fix body image problems, you start treating body dysmorphic disorder.
Symptoms of body dysmorphic disorder
In addition to a distorted view of your appearance and poor body image, other symptoms of body dysmorphic disorder 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.
When you have body dysmorphic disorder, you can’t stop thinking that you’re disfigured or ugly. Fixing body image problems involves changing your though patterns.
How do you know if you have body dysmorphic disorder 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 psychological 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 - this is a huge indicator of body dysmorphic disorder.
- Attempt to hide your flaws
- Feel anxious and self-conscious around other people
- Avoid leaving the house unless you absolutely have to. Body dysmorphic disorder limits your social and love life.
- Call yourself names:“hideous”, “ugly”, and “disgusting”
- Seek cosmetic surgery: liposuction, rhinoplasty, etc.
- Aren’t happy with the results of the cosmetic surgery, even becoming angry with the surgeon
People with body dysmorphic disorder may quit their jobs and refuse to leave their homes. In extreme cases, they consider suicide.
Treating body dysmorphic disorder
This psychological disorder requires treatment. Body dysmorphic disorder doesn't usually go away on its own. Some treatment options are:
- First, accept the possibility that you may struggle with body dysmorphic disorder. Fixing body image problems starts with honesty and acceptance.
- Talk to a specialist – not necessarily your family doctor or GP. Find an eating disorders counselor, psychologist, or psychiatrist. Even better, find one who specializes in body dysmorphic disorder.
- Talk to your friends and family. Attempt to explain how you feel and think; give them the chance to love you. Be open about fixing your body image problems or body dysmorphic disorder.
- 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. Fixing body image problems is easier when you think positively about yourself.
- 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. Fixing body image problems involves recognizing what you heard in the past and what's true for right now.
Our family, friends, and partners may mislead us into believing we’re unlovable the way we are (this is emotional abuse, by the way). The media, television, magazines, and movies lie to us when they say being skinny, perfect, and gorgeous is the only way we can be loved.
Once you value who you are regardless of your skin, nose, weight, or hair – then everything else in your life has the chance to grow. You'll find it easier to fix body image problems when you learn to love yourself for who you are, no matter what you look like.
“And then the day came when the risk to remain tight in a bud was more painful than the risk it took to blossom.” – Anais Nin.
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