By Niyati
Body Dysmorphic Disorder (BDD) is a mental condition marked by an obsession with a deemed physical imperfection. This disorder tends to get worse with increasing age. If not managed appropriately, BDD can escalate into alarming conditions.
So, below are some of the ways you can defeat Body Dysmorphia:
You need not work out because you feel ‘fat’ but to feel healthy. When being overpowered by negative thoughts about your appearance, take a walk. Alternatively, to freshen up your mind, you can take up activities like meditation, yoga, dancing, running, swimming, or anything that gives you joy. Being active aids in keeping anxiety in check. It also declutters your brain.
BDD patients avoid certain foods due to their fat content. Some might try to dodge their meals as well. This makes the body frail and fragile. You need to eat food to have the energy to carry out significant day-to-day tasks. Though one thing must be remembered at all times; the key to being healthy is balance. So, ensure that you are properly nourished and intake all the nutrients in a proportionate balance.
Early detection does wonders. It is necessary to be well-versed in the disorder. If you recognise the symptoms of BDD in yourself or any person you are close with, knowledge about the disorder could be pretty useful. Many patients reported that they were never aware that their obsession with self-appearance had a name! Knowledge is a powerful tool that can enlighten and inspire.
Being clouded with obsessive thoughts, people often isolate themselves. They retreat from social gatherings and may avoid their close ones. Thus, being vocal about your concerns with the people you trust is an excellent way to ease intrusive thoughts. Suggestively, make paper your best friend and jot down whatever you are feeling. Maintaining a journal provides a cathartic release.
Referring to a professional therapist to ease the status of your BDD is also one of the ways to overcome it. Therapists utilise Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT) to correct the distorted body image. Some therapists prefer Behavioural Therapy as well. To alleviate the stress and anxiety accompanied, professionals may advise medications.
Any individual may strive for a balanced, healthy lifestyle while taking pride in their body type. Neither society nor the mind should have control of your body. You are the one who should be in control. Embracing an optimistic approach is advantageous and improves the condition.
Considering all this, it can be summarised that you should choose your standards for beauty; not the society. Eve Ensler once said “Stop trying to fix your body. It was never broken.” This reverberates with all the people out there who feel under-confident or doubt themselves. At the end of the day, remember that your beauty is not influenced by how the world views you
REFERENCES:
[1] “Body dysmorphic disorder’’
(https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Body_dysmorphic_disorder)
[2] ‘‘What causes BDD?’’ (https://www.mind.org.uk/information-support/types-of-mental-health-problems/body-dysmorphic-disorder-bdd/causes/)
[3] “Diagnosis’’
[4] Amber Murphy, (2021), “How to Beat Body Dysmorphia with Self-Healing and Treatment”
(https://declutterthemind.com/blog/body-dysmorphia/)
[5]Caroline Picard and Stephanie Dolgoff, (2023), “50 Best Body-Positive Quotes That'll Remind You That You Are Enough”
(https://www.goodhousekeeping.com/health/wellness/g35182990/body-positivity-quotes/)