If you are suffering from Body Dysmorphic Disorder...

[Apexvallen]

As part of a plan to defeat BDD through talking to a counsellor, please consider also taking a look at the following resource as a way to help you get started on the process:

Centre for Clinical Interventions (CCI) - Psychotherapy, Research, Training

Preview workbook pages:

1) https://i.imgur.com/Ju6fdAv.png
2) https://i.imgur.com/u3HB2Fy.png


I have also attached the PDF file to this thread for easy downloading. Feel free to discuss what has worked and hasn't worked for you in your journey.

For me personally, consistency in my training helped a lot as I was literally seeing results. Also affirmations from myself and others were helpful, but allowing myself to let those words in instead of brushing them off when I got compliments is a big part of it too. I spent a lot of time on cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT) due to my anxiety and I was able to use that same technique to help with BDD. I have a long way to go but I am certainly better than I was even 6 months ago but especially compared to a few years ago.

A more unlikely source of progress is steroids themselves. Being substantially stronger than those at my weight in Judo made me feel good and let me see myself better in the mirror. Even coming off cycle I kept a lot of strength and that of course bolstered my resolve. Some people would say its not the best idea to be chemically enhanced while suffering from any mental illness but I feel that I am one of the lucky ones in that it helped me with my BDD but I managed to sidestep the psychological addiction.

 

[fodsod]

Serious subject. Honestly, the more I train and focus on the bodybuilding lifestyle the more critical I become of myself. I'm rarely more critical of myself than when I'm in show prep with low single digit bf levels and looking my best.

I'm actually benefited more by simply taking an average approach to training and diet. Sort of a no pressure easy come easy go attitude. I rarely find that I don't feel satisfied with my appearance when I'm in that mindset. I have no desire to fixate on the gear, training or how I look.

 

[Sk8man101]

Bump!

Unfortunately this awesome thread will soon get lost in the pages of meso.

Sucks cause it’s a serious subject that doesn’t seem to fit the mindset around here.

Honestly I think as long as you have a positive attitude to help you hit goals you’ll be just fine, like “hey I look great, and I can’t wait to look even better”
Instead of the “damn I suck, I wish I looked like that guy”

 

[Apexvallen]

Yeah, it will be gone soon but I figured I'll add it in and if someone finds the thread on a search or google or whatever at least there's an easy to read booklet explaining wtf is going on and a few techniques to help. But of course, seeing a registered therapist is the best way to go if thats possible.

 

[Apexvallen]

Honestly I think as long as you have a positive attitude to help you hit goals you’ll be just fine, like “hey I look great, and I can’t wait to look even better”
Instead of the “damn I suck, I wish I looked like that guy”

And yeah, this basically. Comparing ourselves is natural to the human condition but its somewhat unfair when genetics determines so much of our look. And time sunk aswell of course. Takes many years to build lbs and lbs of muscle.

 

[Cramps88]

To be honest my wife has suggested that I possibly see someone for this. She tells me that my behavior suggests that I might suffer from some forms of bdd. I'm never happy with what I see in the mirror even when she and others say I look fine. I always seem to see something different then others see. I can't fully explain it but even though I know I'm in shape and am muscular I just don't see it. I didn't want to take my shirt of the other day at an out door concert because I felt small.

 

[MisterSuperGod]

To be honest my wife has suggested that I possibly see someone for this. She tells me that my behavior suggests that I might suffer from some forms of bdd. I'm never happy with what I see in the mirror even when she and others say I look fine. I always seem to see something different then others see. I can't fully explain it but even though I know I'm in shape and am muscular I just don't see it. I didn't want to take my shirt of the other day at an out door concert because I felt small.

i know how you feel, brother. i chalk it up, for me personally, being a glass half empty kind of guy.

When i look in the mirror, i focus on the negatives, and despite the fact that i've grown noticeably larger, i still think i look small and shitty.

It's a mind fuck, it really is, and it's hard to look at where i am and be satisfied. Honestly, i doubt i ever will be satisfied with the way i look.

 

[Cramps88]

i know how you feel, brother. i chalk it up, for me personally, being a glass half empty kind of guy.

When i look in the mirror, i focus on the negatives, and despite the fact that i've grown noticeably larger, i still think i look small and shitty.

It's a mind fuck, it really is, and it's hard to look at where i am and be satisfied. Honestly, i doubt i ever will be satisfied with the way i look.

Yep its a never ending cycle for sure, it would be nice to look in that mirror and say fuck yea look at that mofo. I'll bet there are a lot of people on the forum that are like this. On one hand it's a driving force on the other hand its just sad to never be happy with yourself.

 

[Apexvallen]

And then theres the delusional people that barely lift and think they look incredible and glean confidence from that. Fuck why cant I be as delusional as cdnguy or something. Life would be easier.

 

[Cramps88]

And then theres the delusional people that barely lift and think they look incredible and glean confidence from that. Fuck why cant I be as delusional as cdnguy or something. Life would be easier.

Life would be delusionally great then