Body Dysmorphic Disorder (BDD)

[Billy]

I can very much relate to you Daniel.  I have, for quite a while now, had problems with the way I look and have struggled with self acceptance.  Like you, it started in adolescence, with the worst of it occurring during my high school years where there is huge pressure to fit in and be accepted.  I have always been the skinny kid, which did quite a number on my self esteem.  My biggest issue however has always been with my nose, which is rather large and bulbous.  It was the bane of my existence during those years and still bothers me, but I am learning to accept myself for who I am.  I had a particularly traumatic experience during my early adolescence where I was made fun of by complete strangers no less simply for how I looked.  That is a scar that I am still in the process of healing.  I used to curse the heavens for how I looked and thought that things would never get better, but as I grow I realize all of this has been a lesson in self acceptance and seeing through illusion.  I still have my bad days but as with most things, time and experience provide wisdom and healing. 

Society is pretty ruthless and unforgiving when it comes to image.  You see it everywhere, in the media, plastered on every shop in sight, telling us how to look if we want to fit in and have worth.  And it only seems to be getting worse, unfortunately.  I especially feel sorry for the young who already are quite shy and struggle with insecurity.  It can really turn someones life into a living nightmare if they don't get the needed support and isolate themselves, like I did.  There are thankfully services now which assist with such issues, but at the end of the day self acceptance can only come from within, my most challenging lesson, and one I am still learning.

Best of luck on your journey Daniel.