Living with Body Image Disorder

Women are often consumed with the appearance of their bodies. They compare the way they look with other women around them. This can lead to many different mindsets about healthy eating and beauty. Body image disorder is also known as body dysmorphic disorder, and it is a mental health condition that is consumed with thoughts about the defects or flaws in appearance.

Even though others may not even notice the flaw, the person with body image disorder feels and believes that everyone focuses on it. This disorder keeps a person focused on appearance in such a way that it can disrupt everyday life. It is also important to note that men can also suffer from this disorder.

I praise you, for I am fearfully and wonderfully made. Wonderful are your works; my soul knows it very well.  – Psalm 139:14, ESV

God did not create anything that is not beautiful. It is a beauty that doesn’t come because of what we wear; it comes from the acceptance of knowing that He creates beauty always.

Causes and risk factors

There is no defined cause of body dysmorphia. It has been thought that it is a combination of mental and biological factors. However, when a person is bullied about his or her body it can instigate feelings that contribute to body image disorder.

The risk factors that have been known to be associated with body image disorder are usually rooted in childhood experiences. Those factors may include:

• Personality type.
• Life experiences.
• Abnormal levels of brain chemicals.
• Family history of body image disorder.

Symptoms of body image disorder

The symptoms of body dysmorphia typically manifest in activities that have to do with a focus on appearance. The major symptoms include:

• Wearing baggy clothing.
• Constantly exercising.
• Unnecessary plastic surgeries.
• Avoiding mirrors.
• Avoiding social activities.
• Asking others if you look okay.
• Constant comparison.
• Don’t believe compliments.
• Feeling shame about your body.
• Picking at skin blemishes.

Some other contributors can affect body image disorder. Most of these come from the influence of media and advertising that depicts the perfect body. Peer pressure is also a major contributor to body dysmorphic disorder.

Even though there are health campaigns that want to promote healthy living, these can sometimes trigger body dysmorphia feelings. The most common areas that a person will focus on are the face, skin, hair, weight, and breasts.

Effects of body image disorder

When a person focuses on his or her appearance in an unhealthy manner, it can begin to cause anxiety and depression. This can in turn affect the person’s physical health. The number one health issue that occurs from this is an eating disorder. Anorexia and bulimia are responsible for the drastic weight loss of those who struggle with body dysmorphia. They are also responsible for health problems that are not always reversible.

There is also a great amount of emotional damage that can result from body image disorder. Shame and guilt can lead to a mindset of low self-esteem and negative speaking about self. All these effects can lead to suicidal thoughts. If you are having thoughts of self-harm or suicide, please get help right away.

• Call 911 or text 988 to reach help. These calls are free and confidential.
• Call your Christian mental health professional.
• Reach out to a family member or close friend.
• Contact your primary health professional.
• Contact your pastor or spiritual leader.

Treatments for body image disorder

For you formed my inward parts; you knitted me together in my mother’s womb. I praise you, for I am fearfully and wonderfully made. Wonderful are your works; my soul knows it very well. My frame was not hidden from you, when I was being made in secret, intricately woven in the depths of the earth. Your eyes saw my unformed substance; in your book were written, every one of them, the days that were formed for me, when as yet there was none of them.  –  Psalm 139:13-16, ESV

The treatment for body dysmorphia disorder depends on how severe the symptoms are according to the healthcare provider. The extent of the problem is the major factor, but age, health, and medical history will also play a role in how treatment is provided.

Other factors will include the toleration of medications, procedures, and therapies. The choice of the person and healthcare provider regarding the expected result of the treatment will also play a role in deciding the best course of treatment.

The three major areas of treatment involve medications, talk therapy, and coping skills. Each of these can be individual or in combination to find the best treatment for each person.

If you feel like you or a loved one may suffer from body image disorder reach out to your local Christian counselor. At Texas Christian Counseling, we can help you find a faith-based treatment plan to learn how to cope with body image disorder.