Replies to '07/04 Body Dysmorphia'

It is a brain disorder, period. You can not say this with NEVER knowing how this girl feels. (I say this because I agree with Dr. Phil, in that Cheyanne maybe has to work on her self esteem, where as Diana is at the other end of the spectrum and is suffering)..

 

I have BDD and am only recovering after 6 years. DO NOT sit there and act as though this is VANITY. I am proof it is not. PLEASE, be mature and know that ignorance will get you know where. Please know the facts before you go ranting about being "self-absorbed".....

I just posted my opinion of this show....and have now just read your letter!  Well put!

 

When I am feeling really down, all I have to do is THINK of those who are so much worse off than me.....those who dont even have a roof over their heads, or enough food to survive on, or have an addiction problem, or who have lost loved ones! Like you said, go visit at a nursing home or hospital and come away realizing just how good the rest of us have it!  Each time I meet a person in a wheelchair, I thank God that I can go for a walk whenever I want to....that I can move around and do my housework and go outside......etc. etc.  What a whiny society we have become! 

 

Thanks, bernwink!

I do agree that America is obsessed with superficial things and movie stars.  But you obviously know nothing about this disorder.  It is a real disorder that many people suffer from and has nothing to do with having too much time or being self-absorbed.  Body dysmorphic disorder (BDD) is characterized by an excessive preoccupation with a real or imagined defect in your physical appearance. http://www.mayoclinic.com/health/body-dysmorphic-disorder/DS00559 I have not been diagnosed with BDD, but after learning about it in my psychology class, I realized that I may have this disorder.  My husband, family, and many people tell me I'm beautiful, and I will admit that in the past I have considered myself a somewhat attractive person.  But about 6 months ago, my skin has been breaking out really bad.  I've never had perfect skin, but now I'm even more obsessed with "hiding" my imperfections.  I avoid going many places and if I do, I have to wear makeup and have my hair down to cover my face.  Very few people have seen me without makeup, and those were rare instances.  As the definition states, it is "a preoccupation with a REAL or IMAGINED defect."   Now, on to your comment. "Want a sure cure? Go work as a volunteer in a rest home, VA hospital, or facility for severely disabled. See how sorry you feel for yourself then."  I'm sure the people that suffer from this disorder understand and realize that there are worse things going on in the world.  It is not about feeling sorry for yourself.  This condition can be caused by many things and a chemical imbalance in the brain is one of them.  You should do some research before you make those types of comments.  Like I said, I have not been diagnosed, but I would like to state a few things about myself that may change your mind about what you said.  I have volunteered in hospitals, soup kitchens, delivered food to the poor, and other volunteer work where I have seen many things.  I have also been to war and fought for our country.  So, since I have seen these things, does that mean I'm cured?  Again, it is not about feeling sorry for yourself and I hope you never have to experience the real feelings of BDD, but I hope you can try to understand how these people feel.