Celebs often seem to maintain an almost unbelievably perfect life. We look to them for inspiration and often, we tend to wish that we were in their shoes. But here’s the thing: despite what we might think, being a celeb isn’t all sunshine and roses. For one, you’re constantly under the spotlight. You have to deal with being put under a microscope. Also, when you are already struggling with your mental health, it’s hardly likely to help. And Megan Fox, considered one of the most beautiful celebs, recently spoke out about her struggles with body dysmorphia.
Megan Fox reveals her struggles with body dysmorphia
Image via Instagram @meganfox
You might be shocked to find out that Megan Fox really struggles with confidence and suffers from body dysmorphia. From where I’m standing, it’s almost impossible to believe. After all, she seems to have it all at just 35. What’s more, her body has long been lusted after and idolized. However, appearances aren’t everything, and it’s clear that the grass isn’t always greener on the other side.
Fox revealed in a recent joint interview with boyfriend Machine Gun Kelly for British GQ Style that she suffers from quite severe body dysmorphia.
The actress explained that while people often assume she’s confident, she struggles with deep insecurities. And as far as celebs go, Fox isn’t alone.
Singer Billie Eilish recently revealed that she has always struggled with BDD. Saying that at “the peak of [her] body dysmorphia. [She] couldn’t look in the mirror at all“. Other celebs who struggle with BDD include Robert Pattinson, Reid Ewing, and Andy Warhol.
What is body dysmorphia?
Body dysmorphic disorder, often shortened to BDD is a serious mental health condition that often goes unnoticed and undiagnosed. People with BDD can’t stop focusing on perceived flaws in their appearance. Usually, these flaws are not noticeable to others. But the sufferer tends to hyperfocus and becomes obsessive. Sufferers of BDD can be so deeply affected by the disorder that they become ashamed and anxious. And they may even avoid social situations.
What are the signs and symptoms of body dysmorphia?
According to the Mayo Clinic, some signs of BDD include
- Being extremely preoccupied with an apparently minor or even perceived flaw
Photo by John Diez from Pexels
- An unshakable belief that this flaw makes you look unattractive and ugly
- A belief that others notice only the flaw and make fun of you for it
- Attempting to hide the perceived flaw; can include the use of makeup or baggy clothing
- Constant comparison
- Requiring constant reassurance from others regarding your appearance
- Tendencies towards perfectionism
- Seeking cosmetic procedures; may become addictive as satisfaction is short-lived
- Avoiding social situations
What features do sufferers fixate on?
Commonly, sufferers of body dysmorphia (BDD) tend to focus on specific parts of the body. However, the feature or part of the body can change over time. Common features people tend to fixate on include:
The face: this can include wrinkles, nose size, nose shape, profile, acne, and blemishes
The hair: usually this includes hair thinning, baldness, and overall appearance
The body: commonly, this includes things like breast size, muscle size, and even genitals.
What are the causes and risks?
Unfortunately, as with many mental illnesses, it’s not known what causes a person to develop body dysmorphia.
However, specialists believe that it’s likely it stems from a combination of things. This may include aspects like family history, abnormalities of the brain itself, negative associations with self-image, and trauma.
Unfortunately, body dysmorphic disorder is a mental illness that typically starts in the teenage years. More often than not, people tend to associate it more with girls than boys. However, it affects both.
Factors that may trigger body dysmorphia include:
Family history: It seems that a family history of body dysmorphia or obsessive-compulsive disorder is associated with the development of BDD
Negative experience: Yes, we all experience bad things. However, triggers for BDD are usually excessive in nature. They can include teasing, neglect, constant pointing out of flaws, and abuse.
Other factors: personality traits such as perfectionism, feelings of extreme societal pressure, other mental health conditions like depression and/or anxiety.
The takeaway
If you are concerned that you or a loved one are struggling with body dysmorphia, you need to seek help. BDD is associated with dangerous complications such as major depression, mood disorders, and suicidal thoughts. It can also lead to substance abuse and eating disorders.
That said, the first step would be to see a professional who can accurately diagnose you. It’s best to chat with your doctor and ask for a referral to see a psychiatrist. Just remember you aren’t alone. Treatments like cognitive behavioral therapy are available and can be helpful in the treatment of body dysmorphia.
References
https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/body-dysmorphic-disorder/symptoms-causes/syc-20353938
https://www.cosmopolitan.com/uk/body/health/a37933438/megan-fox-body-dysmorphia/
https://bddfoundation.org/information/more-about-bdd/famous-people-with-bdd/
