Building Body Acceptance in Markham: Understanding Body Dysmorphic Disorde
- Chris Zhang
- Oct 11
- 2 min read
What is Body Dysmorphic Disorder?
When we look in the mirror, most of us see a mix of things we like and things we’d prefer to change. For some, however, worries about appearance grow so intense that they begin to take over daily life. This is where Body Dysmorphic Disorder (BDD) comes in. BDD isn’t about vanity—it’s a mental health condition that causes people to see their bodies in a distorted way, often focusing on flaws that others don’t even notice. Living with BDD can feel exhausting. Many people spend hours checking mirrors, comparing themselves to others, avoiding photos, or asking friends and family for reassurance. Over time, this cycle of worry can damage self-esteem, relationships, and overall well-being.
The Difference Between Appearance and Body Image
One of the first steps in therapy is learning the difference between appearance and body image. Appearance is simply how you look on the outside, while body image is the mental picture and judgments you carry inside your head. For someone struggling with BDD, that inner picture often feels harsh and unforgiving. By recognizing this difference, you can begin to separate fact from perception and open the door to more self-compassion. This shift doesn’t mean ignoring how you look; it means loosening the grip of critical thoughts that take up so much mental energy and learning to view yourself with more kindness.
Why BDD Develops and How It Continues
BDD doesn’t appear out of nowhere. Cultural beauty standards, perfectionistic thinking, past experiences, or even bullying can all shape the way we see ourselves. These influences can create beliefs like “I have to look perfect to be accepted” or “If I look different, people will reject me.” Once these beliefs take hold, the cycle of checking, comparing, and avoiding can keep BDD going. Understanding these patterns gives us insight into why the mind gets stuck, and this awareness is the first step toward greater acceptance of ourselves. Therapy then focuses on challenging these negative predictions, reducing unhelpful checking, and practicing more balanced self-talk to create lasting change.
Support in Markham
At Reflections Therapy, we know how heavy the weight of appearance-related worries can feel. You don’t have to navigate this journey alone. With the right guidance, therapy can help you step out of unhelpful cycles, calm anxious thoughts, and build a kinder relationship with your body. If you live in Markham and feel that concerns about your appearance are holding you back, know that support is available and recovery is possible.
References
Centre for Clinical Interventions (CCI). (2019). Building body acceptance: Module 1 – Understanding body dysmorphic disorder. Government of Western Australia, Department of Health. Retrieved from https://www.cci.health.wa.gov.au/~/media/CCI/Consumer-Modules/Building-Body-Acceptance/Building-Body-Acceptance---01---Understanding-Body-Dysmorphic-Disorder.pdf
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