How can I gain self-confidence w/ BDD?!
Question: I've been diagnosed as clinically depressed and suffering from BDD(Body dysmorphic disorder), can anyone give me ideas or advice on how to gain self-confidence and self-esteem and learn to like myself.
My doc wants me to get on anti-depressants and says that's the only thing that will help, but I dont want to become addicted.
I don't know how to stop my self-loathing. Can anyone help?... Like do you know of certain thought exercises. I can't stop hating myself and thinking bad things about me.
(please only mature answers. Don't say,"just love who you are" or something like that.)
Answers: I've been diagnosed as clinically depressed and suffering from BDD(Body dysmorphic disorder), can anyone give me ideas or advice on how to gain self-confidence and self-esteem and learn to like myself.
My doc wants me to get on anti-depressants and says that's the only thing that will help, but I dont want to become addicted.
I don't know how to stop my self-loathing. Can anyone help?... Like do you know of certain thought exercises. I can't stop hating myself and thinking bad things about me.
(please only mature answers. Don't say,"just love who you are" or something like that.)
In my opinion, drugs only cover up the problem. I've had Body Dysmorphic Disorder for as long as I can remember, and I ask the same questions. "How do I stop my self-loathing?" It is especially difficult to deal with when other people criticize me for my flaws. I find it helpful to seperate the things that I can change from the things I cannot. And as much as you don't want to hear it, learn to accept those things you can't. I know thats easier said than done, and sometimes I feel that I cannot live with my "physical flaws."
Anti-depressants are not addictive and have very few negative side-affects. I strongly recommend you follow your doctor's advice.
Medicine is a science: psychology in this day and age is based on medicine. Things like "thought exercises" have been hugely discredited by the scientific community. You put this question in health, not philosophy, for a reason.
That being said, I used to have a huge problem with self-loathing...but then I redefined the boundaries of my reality. I no longer based my evaluations and judgements on social consensus, media, and myth---I base them on the new reality I have made for myself.
One in which I am fabulous ;)
I believe that the only way to stop self-loathing is to change your thought process and that can be done with a cognitive behavior therapist and a life coach who can help you see things from a different prospective. I wish you well and send good thoughts your way- I like to call it a ray of hope. Don't give up. With the right therapy you can change and be happy one day.
I have the same thing (s)! First off, it is very unlikely you can become "addicted" to anti-depressants. If you do a bit of research, you might feel better about this. Sometimes, a person needs to take them only for awhile and the chemicals in the brain balance themselves out. As for the self-loathing, try to find a good counselor and remember the depression could be adding to these feelings. I don't know your age or much about you, but I force myself to do something mildly athletic. I know it sounds funny, but walking and swimming have made an enormous difference in my self-esteem. I also do a "home-spa" type of thing - steam bath, long bubble bath with candles, mini-facial, manicure, pedicure, hair deep-conditioning, etc - all sorts of those pampering things that look so funny but feel good (and yes, ok for men, too). Doing some self-pampering and loving things has helped a great deal. It takes awhile - good luck!
Anti-depressants is an easy way out, but they don't cure you, they just provide a bubble. I think the only way to get confident is to get to know yourself, no matter how weird it may sound. All the spiritual disciplines and even religions follow the path of introspection - looking within yourself. And indeed, i think that the answer is not that far off, not further then your own body. Keep looking, don't get upset with anybody or anything, and listen only to good advices. take cood care.