Body Dysmorphia

Hi

I'm new

I came on here hoping for some support

I'm a female and i'm 19 years old

I'm suffering and being treated for diagnosed Body Dysmorphic Disorder and Bulimia and have been now for 2 years.

I'm on Prozac and on an 18 month waiting list for CBT

I guess I'm pretty good at keeping my disorder and its effects a secret. I've had alot of practice but now after being on treatment and seeing a positive effect I'm lying yet again.To my family and my friends. They all believe I'm recovering and I was but I feel like I'm now back to square one. Despite being on medication and it definately helping my moods I'm spending my days obsessing over my reflection and my disgusting body and making myself sick. It makes me feel so good and believe it or not I feel proud to know there is nothing left inside me that way I cant look any worse than what I already do.

It gets to the point where I go out and I "know" that everyone is focusing on my flaws or I see someone and that is how I want to look.

I'm beginning to worry because this will all come out in the end and I don't want to end up as an in-patient but with all this spiralling out of control I feel like it could only be a matter of time.

I'm pretty good at keeping things together in front of other people but on my own is the hardest.

Please please if anyone has any advice or support please comment because I don't think I can wait 18 months for CBT

Even before I've sent this I feel a little bit better for writing this down lol weird how it works like that sometimes

Thank you

<Reach_Me19

Hello and welcome to HealingWell.

For memebers that are not aware of this disorder, body dysmorphic disorder is a type of chronic mental illness in which you can't stop thinking about a flaw with your appearance — a flaw either that is minor or that you imagine. But to you, your appearance seems so shameful and distressing that you don't want to be seen by anyone. Body dysmorphic disorder has sometimes been called "imagined ugliness."

I have issues with body image but mine all roles into GAD so I talk with my therapist about my problems which has helped me.

You may want to consider these tips, Reach, to cope with body dysmorphic disorder:
Write in a journal to express pain, anger, fear or other emotions.
Don't become isolated. Try to participate in normal activities and get together with family or friends regularly.
Take care of yourself by eating a healthy diet and getting sufficient sleep.
Read reputable self-help books and consider talking about them to your doctor or therapist.
Join a support group so that you can connect to others facing similar challenges.
Stay focused on your goals. Recovery from body dysmorphic disorder is an ongoing process. Stay motivated by keeping your recovery goals in mind. Remind yourself that you're responsible for managing your illness and working toward your goals.
Learn relaxation and stress management. Try such stress reduction techniques as meditation, yoga or tai chi.
Don't make important decisions, such as having cosmetic surgery, when you're in the depths of despair or distress, since you may not be thinking clearly.
Please know we are here for you and we do care.

Gentle Hugs,

Kitt

Hi and i just want to say that yes you do have complete support here the ppl are great non judgemental n offer sage advice imho..as seen by Nanners n Kitts posts to you...is there not one person you can talk to openly and honestly letting some of the pain suffering out.....the cbt program mentioned is really a good program and you can do it at your pace...personally i know its hard but you can dig deep n see who you could perhaps have in your corner out there ya know..its always good to have a buddy that you can share all with...at least i hv gotten to see that for myself....know we are here for you and we will keep you in our thoughts n prayers...lyn

<a target="_blank" href="/community/profile.aspx?f=9&m=1685211&p=96362">chirpchirp</A>


Good Morning and I am glad you joined us. This is a great forum and knowing you have been helped by what you have read here makes me feel good. Thank you for your kind compliment.



Please do reach out and know we will be here to help you.



Gentle Hugs,



Kitt