BDD -Body Dysmorphia Disorder
Body Dysmorphic Disorder (BDD) is a mental health condition characterized by a preoccupation with perceived flaws in one's appearance.
I feel that at some point in our lives we all have had/have some form of BDD. Whether it was during adolescence or later in life.
I’d would like to share with you, how mine came about. It was after the birth of my daughter. I put on quite a bit of weight during my pregnancy and afterwards retained about 10kgs. My body wasn’t ever the same and has changed quite a bit in the past 13 years along with menopause.
What did I notice the most, that I had gone up one-two sizes and even my bra size had changed drastically. Along with post natal depression, I wasn’t prepared for this change. I decided to cover my body up in oversized and dark clothing. Anyone that knew me at that time, knew I wore lots of black, navy and grey. Why, because I wanted to blend in and not stand out. Because I was ashamed of my body, to me it was too big and ugly.
Fast forward 13 years on and here we are, I still have days that I critic myself in the mirror but the good days outweigh them. I wear lots of colour and don’t really wear black in summer. I love wearing black in winter now as a colour, not a hiding mechanism.
How did the change happen, very slowly, seeing a therapist on and off and also working with a life coach - Amanda Kate Coach. Plus embarking on my fashion styling career 4 years ago, was where I took it all back to basic within my own wardrobe and started implementing all the tools that I had learnt. Since then I continually learn new ways to help my clients when I do a Wardrobe Refresh and also teach them how to shop for your now body shape in Personal Shopping Sessions.
Here are a few signs that show you could have BDD:
1. Avoidance of certain clothing: You may avoid wearing specific types of clothing that you believe draw attention to your perceived flaws. For example, someone who feels self-conscious about their body size or shape may avoid wearing form-fitting clothes, preferring loose or baggy attire instead (this was me)
2. Excessive focus on specific features: People with BDD often hyperfocus on certain features they consider flawed, such as their weight, facial features, or body proportions. Fixating on these aspects and choose clothing styles that they believe minimize or conceal these perceived flaws. This can involve wearing specific cuts, patterns, or colors to divert attention away from the areas they feel self-conscious about.
3. Frequent mirror checking: Tend to engage in repetitive behaviors, such as excessive mirror checking. You may spend a significant amount of time examining your appearance, looking for flaws or imperfections. This behavior can lead to frustration, anxiety, and difficulty settling on an outfit, as you are constantly seeking validation or reassurance in the mirror.
4. Compulsive grooming and self-criticism: People with BDD may engage in excessive grooming rituals to try to alleviate their distress. This can involve spending excessive amounts of time on personal grooming, such as applying makeup, styling hair, or trying various clothing options. Despite all these efforts, you may still be dissatisfied with your appearance and perceive flaws that are not noticeable to others.
What can you do if you answered yes to these, you can work with a therapist who specialises in CBT (Cognitive behavioural therapy) or talk to a health practitioner. If your BDD is something like what I experienced, than I can help you get through the change in your body, but you must want to have the help.
Cath x
