How To Identify Body Dysmorphic Disorder And Improve Your Self-Esteem
(This post was originally published on February 23rd 2022, updated on May 1st 2023)
Body dysmorphia is a deeply personal issue that we hold close to our hearts. We have seen first-hand the impact this condition can have on a person's life, whether mild or severe. Our body confidence movement was launched in 2015 with the aim of encouraging women to embrace their bodies, whatever their size. The motivation came from our daily conversations with women who expressed unhappiness with their bodies.
When we introduced Olyinka Magazine, our mission was to promote body positivity and confidence — to create a platform where women could aspire to be their best selves without conforming to unattainable standards.
Attitudes have shifted for the better in recent years, and the stigma around issues like body dysmorphia is slowly diminishing. But it's important to acknowledge that Body Dysmorphic Disorder (BDD) still exists and still needs to be addressed. It affects millions of people worldwide, and as society becomes more open about discussing it, there is growing recognition and understanding of the condition.
Social media is a double-edged sword here: it has contributed to the problem, but it has also played a significant role in raising awareness. In recent years a number of public figures have spoken openly about their own experiences with BDD, using their platforms to shed light on the topic. That openness has reached people who may have been suffering silently, offering them a sense of solace and understanding.
Image: Ron Lach
What Is Body Dysmorphia?
Body Dysmorphic Disorder is a condition in which someone becomes preoccupied with a perceived flaw in their appearance. The flaw may be imagined, or a very minor physical feature that others barely notice — but for the person experiencing BDD, it dominates their thoughts and can cause significant distress.
What Causes Body Dysmorphia?
The causes are not fully understood, but a number of factors may contribute:
- Childhood bullying
- Being teased about appearance as a child or teenager, particularly if severe or long-lasting
- Feeling ashamed about your appearance
- Societal and media standards
Image: Ron Lach
How Does Body Dysmorphia Affect People's Lives?
- Constantly criticising oneself or comparing oneself to others, and seeing oneself as flawed
- Holding a distorted image of one's own body that doesn't match reality
- Feeling unable to go out in public without concealing perceived "defects"
- Significant distress, avoidance, and withdrawal from everyday situations
How Is Body Dysmorphia Treated?
The first step is to seek professional help. BDD is a recognised and treatable condition, and therapy is an effective way to understand the roots of body image difficulties and learn to manage them. Cognitive behavioural therapy in particular has strong evidence behind it, and your GP can discuss the options with you.
If you're in the UK, you can speak to your GP or refer yourself directly to NHS Talking Therapies without a GP referral. If you are ever in crisis or struggling to keep yourself safe, please contact your GP urgently, call 111, or contact the Samaritans free on 116 123, at any hour.
Can Quotes and Affirmations Help?
Alongside professional support, many people find that affirmations and quotes help to interrupt negative thought patterns in the moment. They are not a treatment in themselves, but they can be a useful everyday tool. You can explore our companion piece, Body Dysmorphia Quotes For Self-Esteem, where we've gathered ten empowering quotes to help during difficult moments.
Image: Ron Lach
Next Steps
It can be hard to know where to start, but if you're willing to take it one step at a time, things can change.
- Recognise that recovery is possible. You are not alone in this, and there are people whose job it is to help. There's no shame in wanting to heal.
- Reach out for professional support. A GP or therapist can help you understand what's driving the distress and work through it properly — this is the step that makes the biggest difference.
- Be patient with yourself. Healing is rarely linear, and setbacks are a normal part of the process rather than a sign of failure.
Remember, you are not alone in this — and help is available whenever you're ready to ask for it.
