Body Dysmorphia — Raising Awareness

I was already slowly recovering from my eating disorder when from obsessing over my body, I started to obsess over my skin and face too! That is when I first heard the word ‘body dysmorphia. I looked into the mirror and saw this monster, and it got to the point where I did not want to go out or constantly hid my face behind my hair.

According to the NHS and sources such as ‘The Association for Child and Adolescent Mental Health’ Body dysmorphic disorder (BDD), also known as body dysmorphia, is a mental health condition in which a person obsesses and stresses over flaws in their appearance that are not visible to the rest of us.

Unfortunately, BDD is not easily recognised by professionals, even though it is often associated with high-risk behaviours such as self-harm and suicidal tendencies. As a result, it is important that we are conscious of symptoms and continue to raise awareness in order to help people cope with what they are going through and get the professional help and care needed.

Awareness needs to be raised to be able to recognise individuals suffering with undiagnosed symptoms. I remember, whilst writing my article on anxiety, I mentioned a scenario of my experience with anxiety during my O levels, which was when another flashback occurred to me.

I did not want to go to my English Literature O level because my face looked to what I saw as ‘disgusting’. I remember smashing all of my makeup onto the floor, crying, begging my mum not to take me to the exam. I ended up going late and still managed to get a good grade. Even just reciting this story makes my heartbreak. I was 15 years old, about to put my future at risk because of the way I looked, or more correctly, the way my mind played with the perception of myself.

I do not particularly enjoy writing symptoms in the form of a list. However, if you take anything away from this article, it is which signs to look out for in yourself and others.

The main symptoms of BDD to notice consist of the following:

• Intense and Re-occurring thoughts and impulses regarding one’s physical appearance
• Seeing certain body parts as being disproportionate and inadequate
• Feeling anxious over food choices, exercising and behaviours associated with binge eating and irregular eating patterns.
• Social withdrawal and social anxiety
• Missing work, school or any other social situation
• Obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD) over strict rituals and feeling scared over changing routines
• Obsessively checking oneself in the mirror

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If you or someone you know is suffering from an eating disorder or related symptoms to BDD there is help available !

Dar Kenn ghal- Sahtek: Tel 2145 3690

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