We are constantly being bombarded with visual stimuli that show us what the ideal body type is. We as women are told to be stick thin with a big butt is attractive. For men, they are told to be chiseled tan gods. Both of these portrayals are unrealistic and completely unhealthy. Since we are always being shown what is considered attractive, it can be very easy to see the flaws in one's own body.
Body dysmorphia, or body dysmorphic disorder (BDD), is defined as a "mental disorder in which you can't stop thinking about one or more perceived defects or flaws in your appearance—a flaw that, to others, is either minor or not observable. But you may feel so ashamed and anxious that you may avoid many social situations. When you have body dysmorphic disorder, you intensely obsess over your appearance and body image, repeatedly checking the mirror, grooming or seeking reassurance, sometimes for many hours a day. Your perceived flaw and the repetitive behaviors cause you significant distress, and impact your ability to function in your daily life." (Mayo Clinic)
Women are usually the focal point when it comes to topics regarding body image. We tend to forget that men can suffer just as much as women. With the social pressures on men, why wouldn't they be just as affected as females? Men are characterized as strong leaders which is why male models have six packs and thick arms. Josh Timperley wrote a short five minute film showing the life of a man battling body dysmorphia. I was one of those ignorant people who thought only women battled body image problems. Until I have been noticing how many short videos by Buzzfeed and other social sites giving men a voice in this issue. It is still not very well documented since documentation requires one to go to a mental health professional who then diagnoses you and it could potentially be on your record.
Having obsessive and compulsive tendencies, I can personally relate to body dysmorphia. I always see flaws on myself before anything else and I obsess about it. I will try and hide and fix it until it is no longer visible to me. It's truly exhausting living a life dictated by what I see in the mirror. Personally, I think most people suffer from this mental disorder. Our culture raises us to be perfectionists in all aspects of life. Being in a society that expects a lot from us and constantly shows us what we are not, it can makes seeing the flaws that much easier.
We have to stop giving the mirror so much power over us. So what if we don't look like the models we "idolize"? You are an amazing human being with so much to give to this world. No one is going to be staring at your imperfections, they are going to see what you bring to the table. We should all take a pledge to not allow ourselves to be servants to the mirror and to society. Do what makes you happy. If that means doing your hair and makeup then do it. If that means bodybuilding (in a healthy way) then do it. If we are stop caring what the mirror is trying to say, then it loses all of its power.
