Accepting your limb differences and body dismorphic disorder
I get quite a few of these messages from individuals missing out on life because they hate the consequences of showing their limb differences, such as this message below.
What would you say to individual struggling with a very real physical difference? The consequences of displaying their differences include others staring, laughing, taking pics and vids, posting your picture on social media as a meme and more.
Below is how I got comfortable with displaying my legs.
My life changed with a decision. I decided my greatest weakness, what has haunted me, scarred me, ruined periods of my life, made me an outcast, fills me with pain and uncertainty…is actually my super power. My challenges permit me to display my adaptability.
One decision changed everything. It’s simple in concept, difficult to implement, and incredibly life altering when realized. Do the same and you will never need to hide your legs again.
But what happens when the distress of your physical differences takes over your life?
When does your distress begin to develop into body dysmorphia?
It’s not body dysmorphia if one has general anxiety over a real physical difference like my lower limb differences, BUT…the line between general anxiety versus body dysmorphia gets blurry for those like me. When individuals with real physical differences or deformities begin to obsess over their physical differences and this causes significant distress then I believe that we are closer to body dysmorphia. I state this because I’ve talked to many people like me that have never displayed their lower limbs in public. Some have even checked out because of their hatred for the appearance of their lower limbs. If this is happening in your life then I believe working with a professional that is well versed in body dysmorphic disorder will help you reclaim your life and find value in your differences. I am with you, let's go!
Published on November 5, 2024