BDD [Body Dismorphic Disorder]

[Metamorphoze]

Hey everyone
I am a long time suffere of BDD. It involves the subject developing a distorted perception of what they look like, and in its worst state is brutally crippling to the individual. Its something you dont hear very much of, and I only happened upon it by accident. I have since realised that I have BDD and this is what has totally destroyed my life from 14 up to now. I have been praying for many years for relief from this and have tried incredibly hard to rebuild myself and my life, however, it all comes down to the fact that I hate the way I look, so I very much have been unable to establish any recovery. I am at a loss here and have nowhere to turn. I've been totally isolated for 2 years now and am at a point where something simply has to change. My biggest fear is that this innevitable change will bring forth yet another slump, which is going to break me, if it does actually happen. I cannot progress in any area of my life if this cannot be resolved. What should I do? Thanks for your time *wavie*

Marius
x

 

[ladylovesJesus]

Hi there dear brother marius

Firstly, I would ask you if Jesus is Lord in your life? Do you have a personal relationship with Jesus.

With God all things are possible. He made us in His image. He made everything beautiful.

It would also be good if you would introduce yourself in the new members forum.

Prayer changes things.

God bless

LLJ :rainbow: :rose:

 

[Dreamer]

Lady's response is really good, and I agree with her. Your relationship or lack of relationship with Christ, thereof is what will determine your healing.

Jesus saves. And Jesus frees! He whom the Son sets free is free indeed.

God bless you, metamorphoze, and I hope you are completely blessed at talk Jesus.

I hope this is okay that I do this. I googled this disorder and got some information for those of us (me included!) who had never heard of BDD.

Here is a general description from wikepedia:

Body dysmorphic disorder (BDD) is a mental disorder that involves a disturbed body image. It is generally diagnosed in those who are extremely critical of their physique or self image, despite the fact there may be no noticeable disfigurement or defect.

Most people wish they could change or improve some aspect of their physical appearance, but people suffering from BDD, generally considered of normal appearance, believe that they are so unspeakably hideous that they are unable to interact with others or function normally for fear of ridicule and humiliation at their appearance. They tend to be very secretive and reluctant to seek help because they are afraid others will think them vain or they may feel too embarrassed to do so.

Ironically BDD is often misunderstood as a vanity driven obsession, whereas it is quite the opposite; people with BDD believe themselves to be irrevocably ugly or defective.

BDD combines obsessive and compulsive aspects which has linked it to the OCD spectrum disorders among psychologists. People with BDD may engage in compulsive mirror checking behaviors or mirror avoidance, typically think about their appearance for more than one hour a day, and in severe cases may drop all social contact and responsibilities as they become homebound. The disorder is linked to an unusually high suicide rate among all mental disorders.

A German study has shown that 1-2% of the population meet all the diagnostic criteria of BDD, with a larger percentage showing milder symptoms of the disorder (Psychological Medicine, vol 36, p 877). Chronically low self-esteem is characteristic of those with BDD due to the value of oneself being so closely linked with their perceived appearance. The prevalence of BDD is equal in men and women, and causes chronic social anxiety for those suffering from the disorder[1].

Phillips & Menard (2006) found the completed suicide rate in patients with BDD to be 45 times higher than in the general US population. This rate is more than double that of those with Clinical depression and three times as high as those with bipolar disorder[2]. There has also been a suggested link between undiagnosed BDD and a higher than average suicide rate among people who have undergone cosmetic surgery[3].

 

[MAJ52653]

I only get to use the internet for an hour at the library, so usually only get to answer off the top of my head. So a quick reply today, a longer one when I have time to think.
Remember that we are made in the image and likeness of God. Catholics and Protestants both agree that this is in the area of things like morals, having an imortal soul etc., but the Orthodox point out that since Jesus came as a human being, and resurrected as a human, and since Jesus is also God, then yes, God does share His image and likeness in that Jesus does have two eyes, two ears, a nose etc. While the Father and Holy Spirit do not have such a physical form, you are made in God's image, since you are made in Jesus' image.
That was the first thought. Now number two.
Rmember that someday you will drop dead. But that is not the end of the story. When Jesus returns, your body will be resurrected. It will be raised bigger, better and more beautiful than any human on earth today.
Read 'Heaven' by Randy Alcorn', or 'A Traveller's Guide to Heaven', (I forget the author) for more on this.

 

[stephen]

Dear Lord Jesus. I lift this brother before you today as I pray. I pray that he will be blessed in body and in soul and in spirit as he looks to you. You alone dear Lord are able to bless and deliver.

Man's extremity is your opportunity dear Lord. I pray that he will know your powerful touch upon his body.....and upon his whole life......In Jesus I pray.


Amen.

 

[Chad]

Greetings brother,

I will pray for your healing in Jesus' name. I do not know anything about BDD to speak of it, but I sure know Jesus is our healer.

Matthew 15:29-31

Jesus Heals Great Multitudes

29 Jesus departed from there, skirted the Sea of Galilee, and went up on the mountain and sat down there. 30 Then great multitudes came to Him, having with them the lame, blind, mute, maimed, and many others; and they laid them down at Jesus’ feet, and He healed them. 31 So the multitude marveled when they saw the mute speaking, the maimed made whole, the lame walking, and the blind seeing; and they glorified the God of Israel.

 

[Metamorphoze]

Hey again
Thanks for the replies, its muchly appreciated ^_^. Thanks for the definition Dreamer, it saves me waffling lol. Unfortunately I fall into that severe category, I havent look in a mirror for two and a half years. About Healing. Its true that I have been somewhat erratic over the years, but its hard to stay consistent when you going from feeling ok to incredibly low so drastically. However, these things aside Im willing to do virtually anything to sort this out. I've sorted out a prayer framework to keep focus (still maintaining flexibility). Also, started reading the bible again, I learnt and relearnt alot. Im not sure what else I should be doing, apart from cutting out as much sin as possible. Thanks again everyone, its nice to be able to talk about this to someone *group hug* LOL.

Marius

 

[proverbs31girl]

hey brother

Im praying for you!
I myself went through BDD at the age of 12-15. I would never see my friends, because i was embarrassed about the way i looked and I rarely left the house. I wont go into detail, but I'm trying to say, is i know where your coming from.
how was I healed?
I can't say it was instantly, but it did happen.
at the age of 15 I came to know Christ and some of His amazing people. I remember the first time someone at church said I was beautiful. I thought it was some kind of cruel joke at the time.
I was in a church service one time and a guest preacher came and he prophesied over me. It was like he knew my whole life and he told me "Go home and every time you look at yourself say,. ""I am fearfully and wonderfully made,"" He also said to say it even if I didn't believe it.
But Marius you have to understand the power of Words. Words can either give life or death. and if you say something enough and often enough, you believe it.
That how I got BDD, because people would tell me I was ugly and worthless so often. It wasn't the truth, but i eventually believed it.
Another thing someone told me was "if you look inward to yourself, what you will find is something ugly, we will pick out all the faults. But when we look outward to others and see their need; we forget about ourselves and become selfless." We are on this earth to do the work of God, it's not about us, its about building His Kingdom.
Don't forget Marius, God Is our Creator, Our Almighty Awesome God that can do all things and He never makes mistakes. He made You just how He envisioned; He looked at you and saw nothing but perfection.
This life we live in is only temporary, our body, material things will fade away, but God lives.
When you live a righteous walk in God,.. He makes the most messed up things beautiful, because its of GOD.
Take a hold of the Word of GOD (bible) and embed them in your heart, repeat them, declare them!, because its the truth. and the truth has so much more power over lies.

erin

 

[SpiritLedEd]

Metamorphoze,

I think that LadyLovesJesus' question ("Is Jesus Lord of your life?") is critically important because you need to have a reason for believing that healing is possible before a healing process can begin.

Please answer her question so that we can get a handle on how to proceed in discussing this with you.

SLE

 

[calluna]

Hey again
Thanks for the replies, its muchly appreciated ^_^. Thanks for the definition Dreamer, it saves me waffling lol. Unfortunately I fall into that severe category, I havent look in a mirror for two and a half years. About Healing. Its true that I have been somewhat erratic over the years, but its hard to stay consistent when you going from feeling ok to incredibly low so drastically. However, these things aside Im willing to do virtually anything to sort this out. I've sorted out a prayer framework to keep focus (still maintaining flexibility). Also, started reading the bible again, I learnt and relearnt alot. Im not sure what else I should be doing, apart from cutting out as much sin as possible. Thanks again everyone, its nice to be able to talk about this to someone *group hug* LOL.

Marius

Dear Marius, so glad you are here and sharing with us.
I have heard of your condition and I understand that it can be quite a battle, but you dear brother sound like you are one step ahead and know that you need God. Reading your bible is definitely a good way to start being filled up with God's love and learning how to live your life. Overcoming sin and 'cutting out as much sin as possible', is good to have that desire, but it is impossible to do without Christ living in us, we all need Him to help us. So that is why we ask if you know the Lord as your saviour, ... have a relationship with Him? We can help you with this, if you are not sure of what this means.

I notice your name is Metamorphose = to change in form or nature; transform.

Marius, you can be transformed, in your mind and in your heart. And in turn the transformation will manifest itself into your life.
My prayer is that you put your trust in Jesus Christ to be the ruler of your life and allow Him to transform you into His likeness. I pray that you are set free from this bondage in Jesus name.

God Bless You
:girl_hug:Calluna

 

[Metamorphoze]

Hey ^_^
To the original question. I have accepted Jesus as Lord of my life, when I was very young. Although, of the past 7 years I have found it difficult to get close to God. Looking back, I can see his influence in my life with sweeping changes in some areas. However, apart from that it still feels like Im very much on my own. My main priority has been to bridge the gap, but I dont know how. I hope this answers your questions.

Marius

 

[Faithful Son]

Hi brother, I did not get a chance to read through the whole thread yet. But I'd like to explain to you how you could be a Christian.

The word Christian means "belonging to Christ", which is Jesus Christ.

The Bible gives us these verses which tell us how we are able to be Christians.

John 3:16
16"For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life.

The main text to remember here is the word "believe". If we are Christians, we believe in Jesus Christ.

Romans 10:5-13
5Moses describes in this way the righteousness that is by the law: "The man who does these things will live by them." 6But the righteousness that is by faith says: "Do not say in your heart, 'Who will ascend into heaven?'" (that is, to bring Christ down) 7"or 'Who will descend into the deep?'" (that is, to bring Christ up from the dead). 8But what does it say? "The word is near you; it is in your mouth and in your heart," that is, the word of faith we are proclaiming: 9That if you confess with your mouth, "Jesus is Lord," and believe in your heart that God raised him from the dead, you will be saved. 10For it is with your heart that you believe and are justified, and it is with your mouth that you confess and are saved. 11As the Scripture says, "Anyone who trusts in him will never be put to shame." 12For there is no difference between Jew and Gentile—the same Lord is Lord of all and richly blesses all who call on him, 13for, "Everyone who calls on the name of the Lord will be saved."


Romans 10 gives the best directions to be able to know Jesus. Because without Jesus, without the Son of God, there could be no Christians on earth.

Jesus died on the cross for our sins 2000 years ago, and we are waiting for His glorious return, which will be the same way in which He left earth. He will come on the clouds.

God bless you brother. If you have any questions, let me know. But it's the best to have the assurence that you are saved.

Much love
teraside

 

[calluna]

This is wonderful to hear. To bridge the gap?...Well for me personally and my experience in the past when I felt far from the Lord, it was sin in my life, and unconfessed sin that kept me from really getting close to Christ. He wants us to be honest with ourselves aswell as with Him. Once we go to Him with humble spirits and confess our sin and acknowledge our need for Him, we no longer feel that shame anymore, we can develop a close relationship.
Now of course I am just speaking for myself. Sometimes I know illness and sickness can effect things in our walk with the Lord, especially if it is mental illness, or where alot of medication is used for certain conditions.

Marius, when those 'sweeping changes' happened in your life , what were you doing differently back then compared to now? Possibly spending time in prayer, reading the Word, living your life according to His Will, were you chasing after God? God's Word says, 'if you seek me, you will find me when you seek me with all your heart' Jeremiah 29:13

Maybe this is the time to chase after Him again and rekindle the joy of your salvation.

God bless dear one. I have prayed for you to be set free from the bondage of BDD in Jesus name.

Also I forgot to ask, are you getting any counselling, medical help for your problem? If not, is it something that you would consider getting help for? I would love for you to be well of this. It sounds like a terrible thing to have.
Calluna

 

[SpiritLedEd]

Re: BDD (Body Dysmorphic Disorder)

Metamorphose: As I read your comment on trying to bridge the gap between you and God, this scripture account came to my mind: "'Lord, if its you,'Peter replied, 'tell me to come to you on the water.' 'Come,' he said. Then Peter got down out of the boat, walked on water, and came toward Jesus. But when he saw the wind, he was afraid and, beginning to sink, cried out, 'Lord, save me!' Immediately Jesus reached out his hand and caught him." (Mt 14:28-31)

When Jesus told him to come, Peter stepped out of the boat literally. When Jesus called you, you stepped out of the boat (of your old life) figuratively. The wind that Peter saw was an actual storm. The "wind" that you're experiencing is figurative; it is the "wind" of the allurements of sin stirred up by Satan.

Do as Peter did. Cry out to Jesus, "Lord save me!" And just as he was for Peter on the Sea of Galilee that night, he will be there for you to pull you out of the boiling sea of your struggles. You can't bridge the gap. Jesus IS the bridge.


SLE