No matter how good (or bad) you'd describe your health, one thing is for sure: a little boost is ALWAYS a good idea. Whether that's reading a new, motivating book or listening to a song that speaks to your soul, there are plenty of resources to help your health thrive on any given day.
We've all gone to look at ourselves in the mirror — check to make sure our shoes match our outfit, on the lookout for loose hair, confirming that we are able to go out into the world in our current state — and been disappointed in the image looking back at us. Maybe your shoes actually didn't match what you were wearing and you needed to make a quick change before running out the door. Or maybe the issue doesn't lie within those easy wardrobe fixes. Maybe you're looking at your body with a hypercritical eye, immediately noticing how this and that isn't good.
Body dysmorphic disorder (BDD) affects about 10 million people in the United States. This disorder takes the dislike of your body to the next level — altering the reality of what you see, influencing obsession, anxiety, OCD, and eating disorders.
Each week, we're bringing you the best resources and influencers to give you this mental health boost. Here's what we're following this week on body dysmorphia.
Book: "The Broken Mirror"
One of the biggest aspects of recovering from BDD is understanding that you have it. It can be all too easy to write off your dislike of your body for "what everyone thinks" without realizing the contortions your mind is making. "The Broken Mirror" breaks down the disorder, attributes
Podcast: "Food Psych"
Christy Harrison is joined by Sophia Carter Kahn, host of the "She's All Fat" podcast to talk about BDD and how to overcome it. They dive into how this disorder impacts an individual's dating life, relationship with food, and general wellbeing. Whether you are newly discovering BDD and how it affects you or are well on your way to recovery, this podcast will answer all your questions.
Instagram influencer: Angie Petrella
Angie Petrella is a body positivity advocate who is all about transparency. She shares her personal relationship with body image, what she's done to heal that relationship, and encouraging words for you to take to heart.
Twitter account: Frankie
Nothing says community like strangers coming together with common struggles, talking it out. Twitter has the special ability to turn these strangers into friends, advocates, and shoulders to cry on — Frankie is one of them when it comes to all things BDD.
YouTuber: Melanie Murphy
OK, so you realize you struggle with body dysmorphia, but now what? Melanie Murphy brings her own journey to you with advice for taking on BDD with full force.
Musician: Demi Lovato, "Confident"
Demi has been an advocate for body positivity for as long as she's been in the public eye. Having an eating disorder of her own, her journey has been long and complicated. "Confident" is just the vibe you need for a boost, no matter where you are in your BDD journey.
BONUS: Color Me Body Positive
Adult coloring books? Already a thing. Positive body image? You're working on it, and maybe some doodles will help! It's fun, colorful, and, hey, worth a shot.
Is there a wellness resource you'd like to see featured? Send an email to lily.moe@theodysseyonline.com.
