Evanston Therapy: My body flaws are taking over my life! Is it Body Dysmorphic Disorder?

You know that body positivity is the trend these days. Messages about loving every part of your body, no matter the shape, color, or size, are everywhere on social media. But somehow, you just can’t get past your flaws. If only you could change your (fill in the blank). Other people don’t seem to notice, but how could they not? It’s all you can think about; your friends have told you that you are obsessed with nothing. Our Evanston therapists understand where you are coming from. We’re ready to chat with you about how you feel.

It can be hard to want to go out when you don’t like the way you look. Who wants to be out in public with your flaws on display? You might feel anxious that someone will mention it. Embarrassment might also keep you blocked inside your home. While most of us are concerned about how we look, if your thoughts about your appearance keep you from going to class, socializing, getting to your job every day, or are limiting your life, you may have Body Dysmorphic Disorder.

Body Dysmorphic Disorder, what is it?

The Mayo Clinic has this to say about Body Dysmorphic Disorder:

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. But you may feel so embarrassed, ashamed and anxious that you may avoid many social situations.

Can you relate to this kind of thinking? Do thoughts about your body flaw interrupt all of your other thoughts?

Here are some behaviors that are common with Body Dysmorphic Disorder:

• Constantly checking yourself in the mirror
• Avoiding mirrors
• Trying to hide your body part under a hat, scarf, or makeup
• Constantly exercising or grooming
• Constantly comparing yourself with others
• Always asking other people whether you look OK
• Not believing other people when they say you look fine
• Avoiding social activities
• Not going out of the house, especially in the daytime
• Seeing many healthcare providers about your appearance
• Having unnecessary plastic surgeries
• Picking at your skin with fingers or tweezers
• Feeling anxious, depressed, and ashamed
• Thinking of suicide

Perhaps you don’t see these behaviors in yourself. Be aware, though. Doctors find that people who deal with eating disorders, anxiety disorders, depression and obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD) often also struggle with body dysmorphic disorder.

In this Cleveland Clinic article they describe the difference like this:

The difference is that a person with an eating disorder focuses on their weight and body shape. A person with Body Dysmorphic Disorder is anxious about a specific body part.

Body Dysmorphic Disorder and Social Media

It’s important for us to mention that becoming super-focused on a specific body part (hair, hips, belly, nose, chest, etc) is highly influenced by the images we see on social media.

Most of what we see are picture-perfect bodies (thank you, filters!). But our brain can sometimes get it twisted and forget that these images are not reality.

During the pandemic general use of social media increased by 61%.

As you scrolled to relieve some pandemic pressure, you checked out your favorite influencer. There could have been a subtle shift toward comparing your body to what you saw. In more serious cases, this comparison led to checking yourself out in the mirror obsessively. At damorementalhealth.com, they explain the problem like this

Consequently, the amount of time people spend on social media makes it a major influence on body image and dysmorphia. Social media provides endless content and has become a place where everyone is trying to achieve the “ideal” aesthetic for likes and followers.

If you are drawn in by the number of likes and positive comments about the way an influencer or celebrity looks, you may think about changing your body in a similar way to get approval.

One note of caution…damorementalhealth.com says

This isn’t to say that social media causes body dysmorphia, but rather that it can contribute to this condition.

Who tends to have problems with body dysmorphic disorder?

In our practice at Evanston Counseling, we see clients who deal with the challenges of loving their bodies.

As a culture we are obsessed with physical appearance, so it may seem normal that you are worried about how you look .

You may have experienced any of the following:

• History of traumatic events or emotional conflict during childhood.
• Low self-esteem.
• Parents and others who have been  critical of your appearance.
• Pressure from peers and a society that equates physical appearance with beauty and value.
• Preoccupation with one or more defects or flaws in physical appearance that cannot be seen by others, or that appear slight to others.
• Engaging in repetitive and time-consuming behaviors, such as looking in a mirror, picking at the skin, and trying to hide or cover up the defect.
• Constantly asking for reassurance that the defect is not visible or too obvious.
• Having problems at work or school or in relationships because you cannot stop focusing on the defect.
• Repeatedly consulting with medical specialists, such as plastic surgeons or dermatologists, to find ways to improve his or her appearance.

Johns Hopkins Medicine notes these risk factors, (though no clear cause is known)

• A family history of BDD or a similar mental disorder
• Abnormal levels of brain chemicals
• Personality type
• Life experiences

What can you do about body dysmorphic disorder?

To help you gain more control and enjoy your life more, experts recommend a blend of medication and talk therapy. Right now, there is no cure for body dysmorphic disorder.

Our Evanston therapists might work with you to (in time) replace negative thoughts about your body with more positive thoughts. We might also help you reorder your thinking patterns so you don’t get trapped in a negative cycle. You can discover how to have your initial thought lead you down an entirely different and more positive path. You will also see ways to manage the sometimes compulsive behaviors of body dysmorphic disorder. You can find out more here, about this effective therapy method called Cognitive Behavioral Therapy.

We might also suggest that you switch up what you are viewing on social media. Part of getting better might include following influencers who speak more about body positivity and show their real selves. #nofilter

Other therapy options might include group/family therapy and exposure and response prevention.  And, antidepressant medications, specifically selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors, often help clients to feel better.

If you’re feeling anxious and stressed about how you see your body, call us at (773) 983-8444 for a free, 15-minute phone conversation with one of our Evanston Therapists. We will listen and direct you to the right person to help you with your anxiety.. Or you can schedule a time to chat with us here.

We want to walk with you as you discover how to manage the crushing thoughts about your body and the behaviors that come with them.

Are you looking for a therapist in Evanston or online in Illinois for school stress, anxiety, life transitions, or relationships? You can read more about how therapy can help here. We look forward to meeting you!