What to look out for when somebody is struggling with Body Dysmorphia

Dealing with body dysmorphia can be an incredibly challenging and distressing experience. It's important to note that everyone's experience with body dysmorphia is unique, and the severity of symptoms can vary from person to person. However, here is a general description of what it may feel like from a personal account written by founder: Glenn Marsden who battled with this.

When someone is struggling with body dysmorphia, it's important to approach the situation with empathy and understanding. Here are some things to look out for and consider when supporting someone with body dysmorphia:

1. Obsessive focus on appearance: Individuals with body dysmorphia may excessively fixate on perceived flaws or imperfections in their appearance. They may spend a significant amount of time checking their appearance, seeking reassurance, or engaging in rituals such as excessive grooming or applying makeup.

2. Negative self-image: People with body dysmorphia often have a distorted perception of their appearance. They may see themselves as unattractive or flawed, even when others don't share that view. They might frequently criticize their appearance and feel intense shame or self-consciousness about their perceived flaws.

3. Avoidance of social situations: Due to their negative self-image, individuals with body dysmorphia may avoid social situations or isolate themselves. They may withdraw from activities they previously enjoyed or feel uncomfortable in situations where their appearance might be noticed or scrutinized.

4. Frequent checking behaviors: People with body dysmorphia may engage in repetitive checking behaviors, such as constantly looking in the mirror, seeking reassurance from others about their appearance, or comparing themselves to others. These behaviors can be time-consuming and interfere with daily life.

5. Emotional distress: Body dysmorphia often causes significant emotional distress. Individuals may experience anxiety, depression, low self-esteem, or feelings of hopelessness related to their appearance. They may also struggle with perfectionism and have difficulty accepting compliments or positive feedback.

6. Unhealthy coping mechanisms: Some individuals with body dysmorphia may turn to unhealthy coping mechanisms to deal with their distress. These can include excessive exercise, restrictive eating, or resorting to cosmetic procedures in an attempt to achieve the perceived ideal appearance.

7. Impact on daily functioning: Body dysmorphia can significantly impact a person's daily life. They may have difficulty concentrating on tasks, experience problems at work or school, or face challenges in maintaining relationships due to their preoccupation with their appearance.

If you suspect someone is struggling with body dysmorphia, it is important to encourage them to seek professional help from a mental health provider who specializes in body dysmorphic disorder (BDD).

A trained therapist can provide the necessary support, therapy, and potentially medication if required. Remember to be supportive, non-judgmental, and compassionate when discussing their concerns and encourage them to prioritize their mental health.

Dealing with Body Dysmorphia

Dealing with body dysmorphia can be an incredibly challenging and distressing experience. It's important to note that everyone's experience with body dysmorphia is unique, and the severity of symptoms can vary from person to person. However, here is a general description of what it may feel like from a personal account written by founder: Glenn Marsden who battled with this:

1. Obsession and Preoccupation: Body dysmorphia often involves an intense preoccupation with perceived flaws or defects in one's appearance. These flaws may appear minor or even non-existent to others, but to the individual experiencing body dysmorphia, they can feel overwhelmingly significant. Thoughts about these perceived flaws can consume a significant amount of time and mental energy, making it difficult to focus on other aspects of life.

2. Distorted Perception: People with body dysmorphia may have a distorted perception of their own appearance. They may constantly scrutinize themselves in mirrors or reflective surfaces, seeking reassurance or validation that their appearance is acceptable. However, even when receiving positive feedback, they may struggle to believe it or may dismiss it as insincere.

3. Negative Self-Image: Body dysmorphia often leads to a negative self-image and a deep sense of self-consciousness. The person may believe that their perceived flaws make them unattractive or abnormal, leading to feelings of shame, embarrassment, and self-disgust. This negative self-image can severely impact self-esteem and overall well-being.

4. Avoidance and Isolation: Individuals with body dysmorphia may try to avoid situations or social interactions that highlight their perceived flaws. They may avoid socializing, going out in public, or participating in activities that make them feel exposed or vulnerable. This can lead to social isolation and a reduced quality of life.

5. Emotional Distress: Body dysmorphia is often accompanied by intense emotional distress, including anxiety, depression, and feelings of hopelessness. The constant negative thoughts and self-criticism can contribute to a cycle of negative emotions, creating a significant emotional burden.

6. Compulsive Behaviors: In an attempt to manage their distress and perceived flaws, individuals with body dysmorphia may engage in compulsive behaviors. These can include excessive grooming, mirror-checking, seeking reassurance from others, skin picking, or comparing themselves to others. While these behaviors may provide temporary relief, they often contribute to a vicious cycle of obsession and distress.

It's important to remember that body dysmorphia is a mental health condition and not a reflection of reality. Seeking professional help from a therapist or counselor experienced in body dysmorphia can be crucial in managing and overcoming these challenges.

'The Story Behind The Story' with Founder; Glenn Marsden

Glenn Marsden is the Founder of the one of Australia’s most Publicised Initiatives, the ‘Imperfectly Perfect Campaign’. He is also a highly sought after Mentor for Entrepreneurs, and one of Australia’s most influential and empowering Public Speakers.

He is the humble success behind ‘Imperfectly Perfect’ which gained Global Recognition within 12 months and has seen over 450+ of the worlds most Influential Public Figures get behind him from the worlds most respected Thought Leaders to Hollywood Celebrities, Professional Athletes, Corporate Leaders and Medical Professionals all on board to challenge the culture and narrative around Mental Health.

He has been featured over 150+ International Publications, Networks and stages, scaled his work into an International Organisation establishing leading workshops, and awareness programs for a global community.

After 100 episodes on the show, this episode we turn the tables and got Glenn in the hot seat to take us back and share the story behind the story.

We hear about how losing a friend to suicide and having dealt with Body Dysmorphia Struggles in his past, it forged a passion in him like no other to go out in to the world and try to challenge these conversations around Mental Health.

Boy, has he done it.

We delve deeper to hear about what it has taken him over the past three years, his journey, the lessons, the set-backs, the sacrifices, the gratitude for people resonating and getting behind his vision and his plans for 2022 and beyond.

Having dealt with Body Dysmorphia with Founder Glenn Marsden

'In a general sense, it's depicting yourself or finding a 'perceived' flaw on your body or on your face that kind of takes grip of your mind. With myself, it...

‘In a general sense, it’s depicting yourself or finding a ‘perceived’ flaw on your body or on your face that kind of takes grip of your mind. With myself, it stemmed from living in Sydney, Australia, I was the first person to go to the beach, throw my top off. It was something that never bothered me. I always say, and I can laugh back at it now and go, when your 30 and suppose to be settling down and enjoying that later life and not being bothered about ‘aesthetics’ it kind of got to a point with me where I started comparing myself to these guys with the big aesthetic chest and arms and wondering, I’m in the fitness industry, I’m training equally as hard, I’m eating as much. Why am I not getting this body that so many of these guys are getting? Little to say, & a little bit of naivety as well, not knowing what people were putting in to their body. But what I was putting and feeding into my mind was detrimental. - @_glennmarsden

Founder Glenn Marsden sharing his story and doing a Q&A on the ComingCleanPodcast with Peter Estevez over in San Diego, USA as well as going live to the Rehab911 community to an audience of over 9 million people.