OCD Action

jms
Member

I'm curious to know how many fellow BDDers have "come out" about their BDD to family and friends.

It seems there is a lot of shame or embarassment about suffering from BDD, since being obsessed about appearance can seem (to others) superficial or shallow or trivial. I know it's something that I find very difficult to admit, especially since I then have to go into an explanation about the whole disorder since it's not well-known.

Currently, the people who know about my BDD are my Mom, my wonderful spouse, one work colleague, and a good friend. A few other friends know that I have "food and body image issues" but don't know all of the details.

When I did actually go into the whole explanation with a close friend, I felt so nervous and anxious - it was like I was coming out to her, but this was far more difficult than telling people that I'm bi. At least most people have a vague idea of what that means!

But how can you adequately explain BDD to someone who's never dealt with it? How can you explain how agonizing it can be? How can you explain how hideous part(s) of your body looks to you when, to most outside observers, the supposed flaw is minimal or nonexistent?

Anyone else experience this sort of shame? Any good ways to cope?

Wed Jul 2 2003 18:03:01 #
EnviedLady
Member

I am a fellow sufferer too, and none of my family or friends understand properly, but are supportive. It is part of the condition i have been told, to also have the anxiety of talking about BDD on top of dealing with it, and sometimes it is hell!! Sometimes fear of one blocks the other. and it seems there is no way out!! But i have found relaxation helps prevent a BDD 'attack' , (feelings of acute panic about the situation and palpatations, i think) , and also deep breathing, and believing things are going to improve, although i know this illness goes round in a vicious cycle,its not always possible to feel positive. But we are always here to try and help, and we here know how godawful it is , and we arnt going to judge !

Hope this helps,

Take care

Ali

Sat Jul 5 2003 20:58:00 #
kimmykjl
Member

[quote="Envied Lady":1ftwct4z]
I am a fellow sufferer too, and none of my family or friends understand properly, but are supportive
. How did you tell them? What was their intitial reaction?

Fri Jul 18 2003 9:11:28 #