I suffer from Body dysmorphic disorder (BDD), this means I am never satisfied with my appearance, I find flaws every day, I might think I'm too fat, too tall, too goofy looking, it changes all the time. I am not writing this to gain sympathy, don't you dare tell me how sorry you are, that is very patronising.
I am creating awareness and dissemination of information:
People with BDD suffer from obsessions about their appearance that can last for hours or up to an entire day. BDD obsessions may be focused on musculature (i.e. fixation on muscle mass or definition). Hard to resist or control, these obsessions make it difficult for people with BDD to focus on anything but their imperfections. This can lead to low self-esteem, avoidance of social situations, and problems at work or school.
BDD sufferers may perform some type of compulsive or repetitive behaviour to try to hide or improve their flaws although these behaviours usually give only temporary relief.
Examples are listed below:
camouflaging (with body position, clothing, makeup, hair, hats, etc.)
comparing body part to others' appearance
seeking surgery
checking in a mirror
avoiding mirrors
skin picking
excessive grooming
excessive exercise
changing clothes excessively
I also have ongoing treatment for anxiety and depression because of BDD, the therapies I have undergone and my own regimens, mean that after decades of fighting, I now have this under control if you aren't sure that you have BDD or another disorder, please get help as soon as possible.
https://bddfoundation.org/helping-you/questionnaires-do-i-have-bdd/
