Body dysmorphic disorder (BDD) is a mental health issue whereby someone feels so upset about their body image that it affects their everyday life. While many of us may feel dissatisfied with how we look, someone with BDD will find it impossible to combat these negative thoughts and be unable to live a normal life.
Symptoms of BDD
According to the NHS, symptoms of BDD include excessive worrying about part of your body – especially your face – and regularly comparing how you look with others. A BDD sufferer may also spend a lot of time looking in mirrors or avoid looking in them, or they may spend large amounts of time trying to conceal their perceived flaws. In the worst case, they may damage their body through skin picking in an attempt to make their skin smoother.
An anxiety disorder related to obsessive-compulsive disorder, BDD can have a detrimental effect on someone’s relationships, work, and social life. It can lead to depression and self-harm, with some BDD sufferers even experiencing suicidal thoughts.
How can someone with BDD be helped?
It can be very hard to know how to support someone close to you, but there are many resources available and mental health training courses For those looking for mental health training courses Newport, companies Such as www.tidaltraining.co.uk/mental-health-training-courses/newport have a variety of courses available.
Can you recover from BDD?
Many people who have BDD don’t get help because of the stigma and the fear that they may be seen as vain, but there is a lot of expert support available that can help recovery. Patients may be treated by their GP or be referred for further treatment by a mental health specialist. If the symptoms are mild, the patient may be recommended talking therapy or be prescribed this combined with an antidepressant medication.
The most common therapy is cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT), which helps people manage their symptoms and teaches them how to think and behave differently. There are also support groups that offer advice and tips on how to cope.