Body Dysmorphia and Its Impact On Relationships
Body dysmorphia, also known as body dysmorphic disorder (BDD), is a mental health condition that can really mess with your head when it comes to your appearance. If you have BDD, you might think that you have some kind of major flaw that nobody else can see, or that you’re just plain ugly. Unfortunately, this can have a major impact on your relationships.
A big way BDD can affect your relationships is by making it difficult for you to be intimate with your partner.
You might feel ashamed or insecure about your appearance, which makes it really hard to be present and connected with your partner. Physical intimacy is a large part of any romantic relationship. Sometimes, BDD can even cause you to engage in behaviors that are bad for your relationships. For example, you might spend hours and hours grooming yourself, neglecting your partner’s needs and interests. You might also avoid social situations where you feel like your appearance might be judged. This can create a sense of distance between you and your partner, making it harder to connect.
BDD can also cause mood swings and emotional instability, which can definitely put a strain on your relationships.
You might get irritable or moody, or you might get upset really easily. You might also get depressed or withdrawn, which can lead to a lack of emotional intimacy in your relationship. Your partner might have a hard time understanding or coping with your emotions, which can make things even harder.
Trust and communication can also be affected by BDD. You might be hesitant to open up to your partner about your struggles with body image, worried that they’ll judge or reject you. You might also be extra sensitive to criticism or perceived criticism, which can lead to misunderstandings or arguments. This can create a sense of tension and mistrust in your relationship, making it harder to feel connected.
Finally, BDD can mess with your self-esteem and self-worth, which can impact your relationships.
You might feel like you don’t deserve love or affection, which can lead to feelings of insecurity and a fear of abandonment. You might also be hard on yourself, which can lead to a lack of confidence and a reluctance to try new things or take risks in your relationship. This can create a sense of stagnation, making it hard to move forward in your relationship.
The good news is that there are ways to get help and improve your relationships if you have BDD. You might consider talking to a therapist or counselor specializing in body image issues or trying out medication to help manage your symptoms. It’s also important to have a supportive partner who can understand and help you through your struggles. By working together and seeking out support, you can learn to manage your BDD and build stronger, healthier relationships.
Begin Addressing Body Dysmorphia in Pennsylvania
You and your relationships don’t have to suffer from the effects of body dysmorphia alone. Our team can help support you with online and in-person services across Philadelphia. You can start your therapy journey with Revive Therapy by following these steps:
Meet with an eating disorder therapist
Start receiving the support you deserve in coping with grief.
Other Therapy Services Offered With Revive Therapy
Our team understands you may be experiencing a variety of mental health concerns in addition to eating disorders. This is why we are happy to offer mental health support including trauma therapy, body image issues, binge eating, and more. We also offer support with EMDR therapy if you’re in need of more specialized care. Additionally, all services are offered via online therapy in Pennsylvania. Feel free to visit our blog to learn more or call now!