The article is developed in partnership with BetterHelp.
Everyone knows about all the major benefits of working out. If you know any facts about boxing or other cardio-related exercises, you probably know that exercise helps keep individuals physically and mentally healthy.
While exercising is necessary for our overall health, it is only beneficial for you when you exercise for the right reasons. For example, some people may work out for all the wrong reasons. When you do not have the right mindset about working out, you could be doing more harm than good.
Discover why people may be working out for the wrong reasons and about body dysmorphic disorder. By learning more about body dysmorphic disorder, you can help yourself or someone you love find the healing and treatment they need.
What is Body Dysmorphic Disorder?
According to the Mayo Clinic, “Body dysmorphic disorder is a mental health condition in which you can’t stop thinking about one or more perceived defects or flaws in your appearance — a flaw that appears minor or can’t be seen by others.”
In other words, body dysmorphic disorder is a condition when a person becomes obsessed with the way their body is made. In most cases, this can cause the individual to experience obsessive-compulsive tendencies. They may also try to change or hide their body regularly.
If you want to learn more about body dysmorphic disorder, there are many online resources available to you, including BetterHelp; an online therapy platform that hopes to inform and educate people on various mental health issues. The more you discover about mental health, the more prepared you are to help yourself and others.
Causes of Body Dysmorphic Disorder
There are many reasons that an individual may develop body dysmorphic disorder. It could be because of their past experiences, environment, or a traumatic event.
Past experiences that could cause body dysmorphic disorder include any form of bullying, being exposed to an imperfect beauty standard, or rude comments about individuals’ bodies and appearance.
A person’s environment can also affect someone’s ability to develop body dysmorphic disorder. If an individual is around family members or friends that are living with body dysmorphic disorder, they are more likely to develop it themselves.
Also, family members and friends that are constantly making comments about perfectionism can cause this disorder.
Traumatic events that can cause the development of body dysmorphic disorder are child abuse, neglect, or something involving the individual’s body. For example, if someone experiences an accident or abuse that is accredited to their body or face.
Recognizing Signs of BDD in Other People
To recognize the signs of body dysmorphic disorder in other people, you have to be willing to pay attention to their actions and words. For instance, someone that makes continuous comments about hating their body, face, or overall appearance. They may use language such as:
I hate the way I look when I….
If only I didn’t have….
I know this person would like me more if I….
I wish I looked like….
You may also see them spend an unnecessary amount of time trying to perfect their appearance or trying to hide parts of their appearance.
Famous People Open Up About Their BDD Experience
The following people have experienced or are experiencing life with body dysmorphic disorder. Many have spoken about this mental health disorder in hopes of helping other individuals find the help and treatment they need.
Billie Eilish
Lili Reinhart
Demi Lovato
Robert Pattinson
Jameela Jamil
Justin Baldoni
When people with a lot of influence speak up about sensitive and taboo subjects, it can help individuals get the confidence they need to heal. Consider reading their stories to learn more about how body dysmorphic disorder can affect anyone.
Do You Have Body Dysmorphic Disorder?
Do you find yourself fixated with some part of your body? Maybe you think your left nostril is too small or your hands are too big? Many look at their body size and shape and believe it isn’t right or beautiful enough. These are signs that you may have body dysmorphic disorder.
Those that live with this condition may find themselves avoiding social situations and outings because they are afraid others will notice what they consider a “flaw”. Body dysmorphic disorder can also cause someone to experience feelings of anxiety, depression, and even suicidal thoughts.
How to Find the Help and Treatment You Need
If you believe that you or someone you love has body dysmorphic disorder, you should seek immediate help from a mental health professional. Therapists and licensed counselors are trained to assist individuals that are living with this disorder.
With their help, you can learn more about this disorder and how to manage it. Many mental health professionals can provide their patients with the necessary tools and advice to cope with their body dysmorphic disorder diagnosis.
