BODY DYSMORPHIA DISORDER: THE ILLUSION OF THE MIRROR?

The Mental Struggles Behind the Flawed Reflection

by İlgi Beste Katı

Body Dysmorphic Disorder (BDD), commonly referred to as body dysmorphia, is a mental health condition characterized by an obsessive preoccupation with perceived flaws in one’s appearance. A form of brain illusion, individuals with BDD often find body parts that other people don’t even notice to be terrifying and develop feelings of self-hatred.

The Nature of Body Dysmorphia

At the core of body dysmorphia is an intense preoccupation with one or more perceived defects or flaws in physical appearance. These concerns are often disproportionate to reality, with individuals typically focusing on areas such as the skin, hair, nose, or other specific body parts. Unlike general dissatisfaction with common appearance, subjects having to deal with BDD experience these thoughts as intrusive and debilitating. They may engage in repetitive behaviors such as mirror checking, excessive grooming, or seeking reassurance, which alleviates their distress only temporarily.

At the same time, the perceived flaws they see can vary. One day they may wake up and see themselves with a beautiful body; the next day, however, they may find themselves unrecognisably unattractive. The severity of this can fluctuate, depending on factors such as poor mental state, menstruation, illness, or any other condition.

The Social Media Impact

In today’s social media landscape, many models, influencers, and celebrities share themselves at their most beautiful and flawless appearance. Perfectly curated photos and lifestyles dominate these platforms. With edited photos, the best angles, and cosmetic procedures rarely being discussed, it is becoming increasingly unlikely for a 14-yearold adolescent to see these images and to not be influenced, leading them to question themselves as social media becomes more widespread. In other words, as the age at which children own smartphones decreases, the prevalence of body dysmorphic disorder increases accordingly.

In the field of cosmetics, new products designed to deceive people have started to emerge. For example, skin whitening and bronzing products, unhealthy weight-loss pills and products that alter the skin in a harmful way have become quite common. These trends, along with influencers fearlessly sharing and recommending them to everyone, can also be linked to body dysmorphic disorder (BDD).

What Causes BDD

Aside from the influence of social media, there are many other factors that can contribute to the development of BDD. It is quite likely that being part of minority communities can contribute to the development of BDD, considering subjects who may face bullying in schools and progressively losing their confidence due to the derision of any of their personal traits. For example, racism, especially when it starts harshly in childhood, can lead a child to become aware of being treated differently because of their skin color. LGBTQIA+ individuals might feel marginalized and, in a similar way, women might experience being diminished in society. A lack of confidence resulting from the differential portrayal of male and female bodies can also contribute to the development of BDD.

The Intersection of Body Dysmorphia and Eating Disorders

Eating disorders, such as anorexia nervosa, bulimia nervosa and binge-eating disorder frequently co-occur with body dysmorphia. Individuals with BDD often have a distorted view of their bodies, which can lead to extreme dieting, excessive exercise, or unhealthy behaviors in order to achieve a perceived ideal body image. This relentless pursuit of an unrealistic body standard can create a vicious cycle where the person never feels satisfied with their appearance, despite their efforts.

The impacts of body dysmorphia and eating disorders are not limited to physical health; they also severely affect mental well-being, leading to depression, anxiety, and in some cases, self-harm or suicidal tendencies. As society becomes increasingly aware of these conditions, conversations are typically centered on how they affect young women. While this focus is important, it often overlooks the fact that young men also experience body dysmorphia and its associated risks.

Expanding the Conversation Beyond the Female Perspective

Societal discussions about body dysmorphia, eating disorders and cosmetic surgery often emphasize the female experience, largely due to the higher prevalence of these issues among women and the historical focus on female beauty standards. However, men are not immune to these pressures. Young men as well experience body dysmorphia, often manifesting as an obsession with muscle size and definition, sometimes leading to dangerous behaviors such as steroid use or extreme dieting. The underrepresentation of male experiences in these conversations can contribute to stigma and a lack of awareness, making it harder for men to seek help.

As a society, it is crucial to broaden our understanding and discourse around body dysmorphia and its related issues. This includes acknowledging that any gender can be affected, understanding the unique ways in which body image issues manifest across genders, and recognizing the broader societal and cultural influences that contribute to these problems.

The Impact on the LGBTQ+ Community

LGBTQ+ individuals, particularly transgender and non-binary people, are at a higher risk for experiencing both body dysmorphia and body dysphoria. This is due in part to societal pressures, discrimination, and a lack of representation, which can exacerbate feelings of inadequacy or discomfort with one’s body. The impact of these conditions within the LGBTQ+ community result in profound eating disorders as coping mechanisms to manage body dysmorphia or to achieve a body shape that aligns more closely with their gender identity. For instance, some transgender men might develop restrictive eating patterns to reduce body fat and achieve a more traditionally masculine appearance. Similarly, some gay men may feel pressure to conform to idealized body standards within their community, which can lead to body dysmorphia and disordered eating.

An Interview on Living with Body Dysmorphic Disorder (BDD)

Can you describe your experience with Body Dysmorphic Disorder and how it affects your daily life?

Body Dysmorphic Disorder affects my daily life a lot. For example, you plan to wear an outfit you really like, but suddenly it makes you feel extremely ugly, and you end up trying on a hundred different clothes, none of which feel right. You don’t want to go out, or a makeup look that you thought looked great yesterday makes you feel horrible the next day, and you start crying out of nowhere. Shopping for clothes is a separate issue; you try everything on in the fitting room and feel like nothing suits you, which ruins your mood.

What aspects of your appearance are you most concerned about?

It changes day by day; there’s no fixed thing. Sometimes it’s my face, sometimes my legs, my stomach, or the circles under my eyes.

How long have these concerns been present, and how have they changed over time?

These concerns started towards the end of middle school.

What situations or triggers make your symptoms worse?

Seeing people with great bodies makes me feel really bad. An outfit I love looks amazing on someone with a good physique, but when I wear it, it doesn’t suit me at all. Sometimes it gets triggered when I see someone eating a small portion, and I eat a lot.

What strategies or techniques do you use to manage your BDD symptoms?

I don’t really have a strategy; I’m still not very good at dealing with it. Recently, I’ve been eat-

I don’t really have a strategy; I’m still not very good at dealing with it. Recently, I’ve been eating a little less. Avoiding social media posts about weight loss or body shaping makes me feel better.

How do you cope when your concerns about your appearance increase?

I can’t say I handle it well. I usually share these feelings with my close ones; otherwise, I’d just keep crying. My loved ones help, but I think therapy would be the most sensible option.

Do you have a support system in place? How do people like family, friends, or mental health professionals assist you?

Yes, I have a support system. My friends, boyfriend, and family help me feel better by talking to me and supporting me.

Is there anything else you would like to share about your experience with BDD?

I would like to emphasize how isolating BDD can feel. Even though I have a support system, I often struggle with my feelings on my own, which can be overwhelming. It’s important for people to understand that BDD is more than just being unhappy with how you look, it’s a constant battle with your mind that affects your emotional well-being and day-to-day life.