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Body dysmorphic disorder (BDD) is happening to more and more men. At it’s worst, BDD is a serious mental illness where the afflicted person is has excessive concern about and preoccupation with a perceived defect of their physical appearance. An individual with BDD has obsessive negative thoughts about their appearance. BDD often co-occurs with depression, anxiety, OCD, social withdrawal, and social isolation. It becomes so debilitating that it affects every part of their life. The cause is either biological, psychological, or environmental.
With all of sensory overload with guys with ripped abs, of course, we are going to think that is *normal* which it’s not! And this perfection that you see all around you is a myth. We see these images of phenomenal people, and we think this is *normal* – so we strive for that, but these standards are not attainable for 99% of us. For some, a preoccupation for perfection becomes BDD.
Alpha shares an email from a viewer who is obsessed with his appearance and feels he’s developed an anxiety disorder. He spends an inordinate time in the mirror. He is always researching things to improve his appearance and look his best. Further, he can’t look at himself in mirrors with bright lights and doesn’t like taking pictures. He feels he’s set the bar so high that he will never be able to achieve this desired appearance. He questions how do we make ourselves feel satisfied by what we see in the mirror- something healthy and beneficial?
The email took Alpha’s breath away. In a panic, he started to consider whether he contributing to people’s feelings of inadequacy. Alpha realized that he’s been insecure but he’s gotten over it. So, he can totally relate to this viewer but the purpose of Alpha’s videos is to make viewers be more confident and feel great about themselves. He wants you to live your best life and achieve what you are here to achieve.
However, if you find yourself obsessive, help is available. BDD is an obsessive compulsive disorder- seek professional help. Be realistic with your expectations because self improvement is good thing. However, if becomes detrimental (ie: BDD), get some help because you don’t have to feel like that. Help is out there.
