Anyone know bout BDD?

Former Member

Hey...just wondering if anyone knew a good site for BDD - Body Dysmorphic Disorder, or if any sufferers are here. I'm not sure if I have it, but I've been depressed for a while and the symptoms match (obsessive about looks, self-harm, paranoia, extreme lack of self-confidence etc) Sometimes I can't go to the shop or to the pub because I feel so fat and ugly...or sometimes I feel too thin, or sometimes I feel too tall or my hair is wrong. It takes over my head till I can't think of anything else. My boyfriend comes close to tears when I try talk to him - he says I'm beautiful. But he would, wouldn't he? My arms are covered in scars and I hardly eat. I'm making myself so ill, but all the doctor did was put me on prozac, and because I don't eat it just made me drowsy. I'm having loads of tests at the hospital to find out why I'm ill, but I know I'm anorexic or something. I'm frightened they'll throw me in a loony bin or chuck me out of uni. Sorry this message is so long, but I really need to talk to someone who feels the same way as I do, so I don't have to explain myself the whole time. Argh!
Kat X

Former Member

Hey Kitty

It sounds like you are on the right track having the tests, but it can be an unsettling experience. You are not alone in the way you are feeling, in fact this will become even more clear in the next couple of weeks as our body image special goes up on the site. However to help you now, these articles may help: http://www.thesite.org/health/headstate/distorted_body_image.html http://www.thesite.org/health/headstate/low_self_esteem.html http://www.thesite.org/health/wellbeing/anorexia_and_bulimia_the_facts.html http://www.thesite.org/health/wellbeing/the_risks_of_eating_disorders.html

I'd suggest calling the Eating Disorder Association's youth helpline who may be able to direct you to help in your area...
their no is: 01603 765050

Hope this helps
Susie <IMG alt="image" alt="image" SRC="http://www.thesite.org/ubb/smile.gif"&gt;

Former Member

Nobody will throw u in a looney bin as long as u recognise u have a problem and try and help yourself so dont worry about that. Its good that u r trying to get to the bottom of how u feel and as soon as u do u will be able to work at getting better.

If its any consolation im in a similar position and have been before and infact did end up in hospital but thats purely coz I didnt wanna help myself and had reached rock bottom.

Im still trying to sort things out now and it kind of feels like that all Ive done from the age of 13 till now, and im 19! Ill get there at some point though and so will you, u just have to want to help yourself and the rest will follow.

I hope u get some decent help with this and start feeling better about yourself, and know at least that u r not alone <IMG alt="image" alt="image" SRC="http://www.thesite.org/ubb/smile.gif"&gt;

Former Member

hi kat,
i know you posted this a while ago...just wantd to say that the national phobics society provides support for bdd.
hope you`re doing ok.
willow x