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First of all, I would like to say that I am shocked and dismayed by some of the harsh criticisms with regards to Body Dysmorphic Disorder.  I have been dealing with it for most of my life (I am now 48) and I can assure you that my life has NOT been a pity party.

The last thing that BDD sufferers need is help in feeling bad about themselves -- believe me, we feel bad enough already.  And, to those that have dealt with "real" problems -- I lost my beloved mother to cancer on July 31st of this year and know all too well how it is to have someone deteriorate in front of you and there's not a thing you can do about it.  I have suffered other family traumas throughout the years and know very well what "real" problems are.

And, would you please stop with the "you're so vain" attitude about BDD sufferers standing in front of the mirror?  We are NOT trying to make ourselves beautiful -- we just want to look "normal".  When my disorder was totally out of control, I remember still being in front of the mirror at 4:00 in the afternoon trying to hide all my ugliness with make-up -- and I won't even go near the hair issue.  I now take 22 pills a day and see a psychiatrist once a month and have made considerable progress.  I still do not drive because I can't trust what I might see in the rear-view and side mirrors. 

It has also been known for BDD sufferers to attempt plastic surgery on themselves when they can't afford a real doctor to do it.  Many of us resort to self-mutilation to try to correct certain problems.  In order to function as well as I do, I psyche myself up to believe that I am an extra-terrestrial being and of course people are going to look at me -- I just have to show them how friendly "we" are.  Needless to say, this takes up a great deal of mental energy.  I've spent far too many beautiful days peering out of the windows and hearing people laughing and chatting and wanting so bad to be a part of all that.

So, please try to have some compassion and understanding about this very real issue.  It is already painfull enough.  Thank you.