The Untold Truth of Body Dysmorphia.

IMAGINE walking across the school hallway while thinking that people are constantly teasing and making fun of you.

IMAGINE not being able to focus in class because all you can think of is 'your nonexistent physical flaws'.

IMAGINE avoiding mirrors because you didn't want to encounter someone with such repulsive and unsightly looks.

IMAGINE thinking that no one will ever like you, only because of your appearance.

IMAGINE living your day-to-day life obsessing about something that isn't even there.

The body dysmorphic disorder (BDD) is a mental illness in which someone is addicted to the nonexistent defects in their appearance. 

Cause

The cause of body dysmorphia is unknown, however according to researchers, many factors increase the likelihood of getting BDD. Some of these factors include: depression, bullying, fear of being alone and a competitive character. 

Some of the Signs and Symptoms of BDD (according to Anxiety & Depression Association of America) include:

- Disguised appearance (with body positions, makeup, clothing, etc.)

- Avoiding mirrors

- Checking in mirrors

- Skin picking

- Excessive exercise and grooming

- Seeking surgery

- Constantly changing clothes

- Comparing appearances to others

Some of the common areas of BDD:

Stats

The body dysmorphic disorder begins most usually during adolescents. According to Anxiety & Depression Association of America, “Research shows that it affects men and women almost equally. About one percent of the U.S. population has BDD.”, meaning that at least 3 millions people in the US suffer from body dysmorphia. 

Effects on Life:

- Have a hard time taking control in their life and taking responsibility 

- Poor quality of life

- Low self esteem

- Obsession with their appearance

- Hard time keeping relationships

- High levels of stress

Famous People with BDD:

- Andy Warhol

- Micheal Jackson

- Shirley Manson

In closing

In the final analysis, according to Webmd, the body dysmorphic disorder "is a distinct mental disorder in which a person is preoccupied with an imagined physical defect or a minor defect that others often cannot see." BDD is often mistaken for OCD or anxiety disorders, seeing that they both share similar characteristics. Currently, there is a low quantity of research done worldwide on BDD, go and increase the research by funding to the Body Dysmorphic Disorder Foundation.

Written by Naomi Duggan