This post was developed via a partnership with BetterHelp.
Whether you have a young child or a teenager, their development is significantly impacted by their family, friends, and social interactions. While this can have a positive impact, it can also shape the way they believe they’re supposed to behave, react, and view themself. When expectations don’t meet their perceived reality, there’s a risk that it can begin to affect their self-image. Online mental health resources like BetterHelp can help you become more familiar with body dysmorphic disorder and how it can impact your child’s life.
Body Dysmorphic Disorder vs. Eating Disorders
Body dysmorphic disorder is a severe mental health condition that leads to a person becoming extremely fixated on a perceived flaw in their physical appearance. According to the International OCD Foundation, there are up to 10 million people in the United States that have body dysmorphic disorder (BDD). This number could actually be higher, but there are many people who either don’t identify their symptoms as having a disorder or they don’t feel comfortable sharing the information.
Despite misconceptions about the name, body dysmorphic disorder isn’t strictly about the shape or size of your body but it also includes features about yourself, such as features of your face. For example, you could become fixated on the shape of your nose to the point where it makes you uncomfortable to have your picture taken or even go out in public often.
Body dysmorphic disorders commonly coincide with other eating disorders. Eating disorders affect over 30 million people in the United States of all genders, races, income levels, and more. When paired with body dysmorphic disorder, it can create an even worse perception of self that’s difficult to overcome. Unrealistic beauty standards, pressure from peers and family, and even personal expectations can all contribute to your child having body dysmorphic disorders.
Noticing the Signs
These are common symptoms of a person that could have body dysmorphic disorder:
- Deprecating comments about their features
- Constantly checking mirrors or adjusting clothes or makeup
- Constantly comparing themselves or features to other individuals
- Asking about surgery, enhancements, or alterations
- “Camouflaging” by wearing ill-fitting clothes or heavy makeup
It’s important to remember that even though you may see similarities in these symptoms and the way your child behaves, this doesn’t guarantee they have body dysmorphic disorder unless they express this concern to you. If you’ve noticed similar symptoms in their behavior, it could help to open a conversation about how they’re feeling to better understand their self-perception. If they express concern about their body image or features, introducing the topic of body dysmorphic disorder could help them better understand their condition and seek help.
Encouraging Treatment
Discovering your child may have body dysmorphic disorder can be startling and worrisome at the very least. It’s important to remember that this mental health condition is, in fact, treatable. Many individuals that seek some form of treatment find that they’re relieved of symptoms after they’ve worked through treatment.
When approaching your child about treatment, it’s important to remember that it’s their decision in the end. Giving them that power and ensuring them you’re there to support their recovery can help them build up the courage they may need to seek professional help. It can also take time for your child to admit or even believe that there’s a significant problem in the first place. Continue to provide them support, allow them to communicate and express themselves, and let them know that you’ll help to work with them through the treatment process.
Supporting Your Child
It can be difficult for a parent to discover their child doesn’t see their body as something beautiful and developing. As a parent, it’s important to reassure them you’re there to provide support and help them find the treatment they need. It’s also crucial to educate yourself on body dysmorphic disorders and become more understanding of their viewpoints.
While it can sometimes be unintentional, your words can have an effect on your child’s self-image. Therefore, it’s important to consult mental health care experts and other professionals about how you can support your child without causing them to feel worse. Parenting is a difficult task and it’s understandable if you’re finding certain aspects challenging. That’s why you should always remember that reaching out for help is a great way to be a better parent and enhance the skills needed to make sure your child is safe, comfortable, and happy.
