BDD
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Wed Feb 08, 2012 6:56 am

Hi all,

I'm new here and was wondering does anyone else suffer with Body Dysmorphic Disorder? Strange question to ask I know but I guess the reason I ask is because it affects the way I see my face and skin, to me it looks dreadful, not so much acne but lined, blotchy and a weird texture.

For info I am a 37 year old guy.

Sorry if it is inappropriate to ask.

Myself.

free skin care · Sat Feb 11, 2012 8:55 am

Well, I suffered from an eating disorder in high school, so that's a form of BDD. My best advice is to slowly work on your self-worth. Of course, you can try to do things to improve your face--that's what EDS is all about!--but I think it's also important to do things for your soul, to learn what are realistic perceptions of your looks, make peace with that, and really accept that there is a lot more to life than looks. One of the things that always makes me feel better and puts things in perspective is to help others who really need help (e.g., help the homeless by donating clothes, helping at a food bank). Of course, it may take a long time to heal from BDD, so it will require patience. Hope this helps and that you feel better soon Smile

free skin care · Sat Feb 11, 2012 10:47 am

Its certainly NOT inappropriate to ask. I believe that a lot of people here have this in varying degrees. I can think of at least a couple of people who visit the forum every few months complaining about the same issues, who've admitted they've sought therapy for BDD.

I actually know very little about BDD so hopefully what I write applies. I find myself obsessing from time to time but luckily, I tend to believe those around me who remark with surprise that they have no idea what I'm talking about when I've brought up eye bags/dark circles, for instance, or skin discolorations. So I'm able to put my issues into perspective, and realize that the less time I spend in front of a mirror fixating on superficial things, the clearer & more realistic my impression will be.

What cm5597 wrote is key. Once in a while I try to smile at myself and appreciate the overall warmth, character and positive aspects of my personality that are reflected in my face, as I do in other people, rather than the more superficial aspects of my looks.

So you might try at least once a day to look at yourself with some compassion and kindness. All the best.

Sat Feb 11, 2012 12:23 pm

Thank you both for your kind replies Smile

I do have therapy for it but it is so difficult to believe everything is normal when I see differently Sad

I have thought about visiting a dermatologist but am advised that it is not the answer in my case. I am torn as I really feel something is really wrong but nobody else sees or acknowledges it.

Myself.

free skin care · Sat Feb 11, 2012 3:29 pm

Well as I said, I know very little about BDD, which I gather can be quite a serious matter, so I'm hesitant to cross the line and confuse or complicate whatever your doctors are advising! So it may be a good idea if you at least (maybe print out) and go over what you read on the forum with them before acting on any of it.

Whatever my issues are, I tend to feel better when I'm doing something to address them - whether what I do is actually helping or not, isn't the point. I'm one to believe that some of the treatments/rituals (women, especially) use may be making a negligable difference, but if I'm looking for signs of improvement rather than fixating on perceived negatives, I'll be more likely to recognize my positive attributes and feel better - which is what its all about! People who feel better, automatically look better.

It may not be necessary for you to see a derm, but have you read over any of the skincare threads which address your concerns? There are some very simple, gentle diy treatments & techniques which may be helpful, and not too risky, time consuming or expensive. Something as easy as changing your diet, cutting out the use of harsh soaps, or gentle massage for instance, may help with circulation & hydration etc, but also allow you to explore treating your face and body with some tender, lovin' care, which might be a step in the right direction.

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