Facing the Mirror: Dealing with BDD
There is an influx of cosmetic products in the markets, promising you, a new you. The flaws you did not even know that was there, these products aim to remedy.
Adding to the insecurities is social media. People perceive the highly edited photos to be real and fall further into the abyss of poor self-image.
The resultant stress, the inferiority complex, the hatred that you feel when you look in the mirror is known as Body Dysmorphic Disorder. To remedy this feeling of ugliness, people don different products, visit doctors after doctors, get cosmetic procedures.
What is BDD?
People suffering from BDD tend to fixate on their looks, and often, feel unsatisfied by their looks. They continuously gaze at the mirror, ensuring that they look good enough all the time. Others, hole up in their homes, such is their level of insecurity. People on this scale of the BDD spectrum should get help from a Psychiatrist in Lahore
Dealing with BDD
Accept yourself
Realize and internalize the notion that you cannot meet society’s standards of beauty. In fact, these are not humanly possible to attain, period.
Pictures are either edited, or people have to undergo painful surgeries to look that way.
Thus, accept the fact that the standards we look for do not exist. Accept that you cannot attain the perfection that is not real, to begin with, and start loving yourself the way you are.
Seek support
If you are feeling overwhelmed with the burden of feeling ugly, talk to your loved ones. The resultant support can get you back your confidence in yourself.
Refrain from the source of negative energy
We have to reduce our stressors in order to get better. Social media, and the illusion of perfection it presents, is a great source of negative energy. When you see other seemingly beautiful people, your complex about your look is heightened.
Similarly, the company of people fixated on just superficial looks can also be detrimental to your mental health. Being around such vain people can then also make you obsess over your looks, further aggravating the body dysmorphic disorder.
Moreover, some of our family members are also in habit of passing rude comments about people and their looks.
All these negative vibes can then make you even more conscious about your looks. Therefore, it is better that you avoid all this negativity. When you are around people who make constructive conversation, your brain will also be occupied elsewhere as well!
Be patient with yourself
Since the problem did not manifest overnight, the resolution will not also happen with the blink of an eye. Mental health problems take their due time. This lack of instant gratification and progress can deter some people from following through with the process.
Thus, it is important that you be patient with yourself. Give yourself time to heal, and do not rush into things.
Cognitive Behavioral Therapy
CBT is a powerful tool, used for various mental health issues, including BDD. The crux of cognitive behavioral therapy is talking about feelings. This then helps people learn and challenge their preconceived notions. It is very much important to unlearn the harmful things, and then relearn the correct habits.
With continuous CBT, people begin to see themselves differently. They stop focusing on their looks and stop imaging their flaws.
Medication
Some people might need to take medication for body dysmorphic disorder. SSRIs are often used for the treatment of this disorder. These serotonin inhibitors are also helpful for also decreasing stress, which commonly accompanies BDD.
Moreover, SSRIs are also useful for those doing CBT. However, it is pertinent to discuss your treatment option with your Psychiatrist in Karachi, as professional opinion is very important.
