BODY DYSMORPHIA

EPISODE #149:

In this week’s episode we’re chatting about:

• Body dsymorphia – what it is, how to identify it and how it kills your joy
• Three ways to retrain your brain to find relief from the dsymorphia
• How to manage your thoughts about how you see yourself physically

Just a quick hello to all of my Keep the Faith listeners out there – thanks for being part of the community of contagious encouragement.

SPONSORSHIP NOTE:

This podcast is proudly brought to you by the company I am proud to partner with – and the company whose products I now exclusively use for my family and me: Beautycounter. Be in the know about better and safer beauty – be part of the beauty of Beautycounter. You can check out our product line at www.beautycounter.com/trishblackwell   If you haven’t yet watched the documentary The Human Experiment (which is available on Netflix), I urge you, for your health and the health of your family, watch it! It’s beautifully done and incredibly empowering.

BIG ANNOUNCEMENT:

My newest book, Insecurity Detox: A Breakout Plan to Rejuvenate Your Mind, Body and Spirit is now available for pre-order on Amazon!

MY STORY WITH BODY DYSMOPRHIA

WHAT IS IT?

Body dysmorphic disorder (BDD) is a mental illness involving obsessive focus on a perceived flaw in appearance. People with this disorder may frequently examine their appearance in a mirror, constantly compare their appearance with that of others, and avoid social situations or photos.

According to the Mayo Clinic, Body dysmorphic disorder is a type of chronic mental illness in which you can’t stop thinking about a flaw in your appearance — a flaw that is either minor or imagined. But to you, your appearance seems so shameful that you don’t want to be seen by anyone.

When you have body dysmorphic disorder, you intensely obsess over your appearance and body image, often for many hours a day. Your perceived flaw causes you significant distress, and your obsession impacts your ability to function in your daily life. You may seek out numerous cosmetic procedures or excessively exercise to try to “fix” your perceived flaw, but you’re never satisfied. Body dysmorphic disorder is also known as dysmorphophobia, the fear of having a deformity.

Treatment of body dysmorphic disorder may include medication and cognitive behavioral therapy.

WHAT BDD KEPT ME FROM:

Living with happiness

Having confidence in myself

Going out and doing social things at night

Having fun at weekend get-togethers

Pursuing my dreams or thinking I could even dream

Dating or letting anyone close to me

Wearing stylish clothes or feeling good when I did

The start of my writing career and my business (I was afraid of pictures)

Loving others well (because I was so consumed by myself and my pain and shame)

THREE WAYS TO FIND FREEDOM:

You need to know that FREEDOM is available. You also need to know that you are not alone.   A survey conducted in the UK of more than 45,000 women found that almost 60 per cent said they ‘hated’ the way they looked. More than 35 per cent said they were ‘fairly happy’ with their bodies and only only 4 per cent were ‘completely happy’. Most saw dieting as the key to body contentment, with 35 per cent saying they needed to lose two stone to be happy with their shape. Every four in ten women said they worried constantly about their body, while more than a quarter of those surveyed said it bothered them most when shopping for new clothes. And 34 per cent said any social situation made them feel body shy, while 23 per cent felt intimidated when sunbathing on the beach.

(1). Understand the fallacy of the mirror

(2). Breakup with your eyes – realize that your vision of yourself is untrustworthy

(3). Find new eyes and become a student of truth

LESSONS ON BODY CONFIDENCE TO KEEP BDD AT BAY:

Beauty is a state of mind, not a state of your body.

How can I have more body confidence?

How can I build up body confidence in my friends?

How can I build up the body confidence in my children?

Use the time and energy that you might have spent worrying about food, calories, and your weight to do something to help others.  Sometimes reaching out to other people can help you feel better about yourself and can make a positive change in our world.

Appreciate all that your body can do.  Every day your body carries you closer to your dreams.  Celebrate all of the amazing things your body does for you—running, dancing, breathing, laughing, dreaming, etc.

Keep a top-ten list of things you like about yourself—things that aren’t related to how much you weigh or what you look like.  Read your list often.  Add to it as you become aware of more things to like about yourself.

Toxic thinking is always lurking around in the dark, around the corner, ready to jump into our minds when we are being undiligent – we must be on guard and control our minds…spend time on our minds every day in the same way we would workout and spend time on our bodies.

Manage you thoughts in the same way a manager would manage a staff. Even the best staff needs guidance and counsel.

LISTENER OF THE EPISODE:

Good evening Trish,

I’ve been listening to your podcast and have been enjoying them. I’m great full for your positive influence. I can hear your genuineness coming through your spirit. It’s encouraging and is helpful.

I’m a single mom of two. Who may not have a job in a few months? I do property management and they just told us today they are selling the property.  But I’m pushing through. One day at a time with a positive outlook. I’m in my 4th week of law school.

I am great full to you for sharing uplifting goodness.

Thank you!