Possible BDD??
raininglillies13
June 18th, 2021
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So, I realized today that I might have BDD, but I of course don't want to self diagnose. I Do have BPD & OCD, I was reading that it can be comorbid with OCD. I have times where I look in the mirror and I don't feel like i'm seeing what others are. This morning I was looking at photos of myself and for whatever reason my face looked very different from what I think I look like. I usually avoid mirrors if I can, mostly with my face though. Is facial dysmorphia a thing? How does one work through this kind of thing?
FlourishingDimensions
June 21st, 2021
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@raininglillies13
Thank you for the good wishes 
I hope your week started out nice!
IceCream4IceCream
July 4th, 2021
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Thank you so much for sharing @raininglillies13. I can see that you're dealing with a lot right now. Sending you hugs, or beams if preferred
Body Dysmorphic Disorder (BDD) is classified in the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM-5) as a condition related to Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (they both fall under the same category of OCD and Related Disorders). So you're absolutely right, they can be co-morbid. Moreover, Body Dysmorphia can happen in any part of the body, so yes, it can be experienced with reference to your face.
That being said, as you mentioned, you can't self-diagnose, and I'm not allowed to give medical advice in my listener role. I believe that a healthcare provider can better support you in understand what exactly you're experiencing.
Here are some other resources that you might find helpful:
1. Mindfulness can sometimes be useful in coping with difficult thoughts.
2. We have community paths which you might like to try out.
3. You can speak to a listener comfortable providing 1-1 support with this topic. You can even filter the list of listeners by keywords like "BDD".
4. We have a self-help guide about Obsessive Compulsive Disorder.
5. Finally, chat rooms like the Sharing Circle or Support Room 24x7 are spaces where you can get group support.
Take care We're all here for you!
Body Dysmorphic Disorder (BDD) is classified in the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM-5) as a condition related to Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (they both fall under the same category of OCD and Related Disorders). So you're absolutely right, they can be co-morbid. Moreover, Body Dysmorphia can happen in any part of the body, so yes, it can be experienced with reference to your face.
That being said, as you mentioned, you can't self-diagnose, and I'm not allowed to give medical advice in my listener role. I believe that a healthcare provider can better support you in understand what exactly you're experiencing.
Here are some other resources that you might find helpful:
1. Mindfulness can sometimes be useful in coping with difficult thoughts.
2. We have community paths which you might like to try out.
3. You can speak to a listener comfortable providing 1-1 support with this topic. You can even filter the list of listeners by keywords like "BDD".
4. We have a self-help guide about Obsessive Compulsive Disorder.
5. Finally, chat rooms like the Sharing Circle or Support Room 24x7 are spaces where you can get group support.
Take care
We're all here for you!
wonderfulRainbow817
July 14th, 2021
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Hey @raininglillies13! Thank you for sharing with us! I am sure all of this is quite confusing, but I want you to know we are all here for you!
