(ThyBlackMan.com) Remember when body imaging challenges almost always only depicted a female standing in a mirror tugging at the stomach or squeezing at the thighs? Those images were heartfelt on so many levels because as the audience looking in, what we saw was that of a very healthy looking woman, with beautiful features and really just needed help. Well, that image has changed drastically.
To date, it is rare to hear women gesture the words, “I look great” in the mirror without first criticizing their natural curves, their busty bust, their natural nose or simply their natural body. Every flaw is under a microscope and becomes the revulsion keeping them from confronting the mirror. Well, how the tables have turned. The biggest critics of body image today are men. Yes, men. Research shows that there is an incredible increase in body image or body dysmorphic disorder -BDD (as well as eating disorders) among men and sexual minorities, (the LGBT populations) who identify as transgender.
How do we find an equal medium to help in identifying with unchangeable body parts that are not consistent with self-imaging?
On a man’s level of BDD (no not BBD, not Bel Biv Devoe), body dysmorphic disorder, homo – or heterosexual, the experiences exhibited are extreme pressures to imitate society’s ideal image of a muscular, tanned, fit, tall, well-groomed, sexy man. Now, let’s take it a step farther and apply a gay male wanting to be a female that may restrict food intake to avoid gaining weight or muscle to capture the soft, curvy, feminine guise of a natural female.
People, this is our new face of body image dissatisfaction; body image distortion; and body image concern. The roles have significantly reversed itself from female to male in regards to body image dissatisfaction. The shocker is that research is now showing these mindsets are more prominent in men, than for women.
What has changed?
Society has “pinged”, “instagrammed” and “twittered” us to believe that image is a trend; that if you are not in, you are definitely out. Society has transcended in us that to be human we must be perfect, flawless, Kim… -I am not going there. The point of the matter is that body dissatisfaction is distressing when one cannot identify with it. Men are more at risk with BDD because they are new to the “trends” of having to be svelte every passing moment; they are in a world now were pressures to be perfect are no longer a distinction, but blurred lines.
Research shows that body image dissatisfaction, which falls into the category of eating disorders, is a result of societal images of the “perfect body” displayed on billboards, magazines, online, and every avenue parading superficial body parts or unnatural beings. It’s no wonder the symptoms that follow unaccomplished and unattainable ‘body changing’ resource, have morphed into depressive symptoms, anxiety, suicide, intolerable self-esteem, psychiatric disorders, etc.; and has caused treatment facilities to flood with in and out-patient therapy.
What Treatments are Available for this Disorder?
This ‘something of a body phobia’, is an avoidance to cope approach in men experiencing BDD. Instead of confronting the disorder, they become impassionate and struggle with flawed distortions so intensely that it becomes pronounced in their mind, causing issues (mentally) to escalate into a challenging process to treat. Their body image becomes an overwhelming distress that the only positive and effective way to preserve the emotional, mental and physical abuse within is Behavioral Therapy, preferably Dialectical. Avoiding the problem because of fear the issues intend to enhance in the mind, making the struggle problems with the body image more pronounced and the only noticeable factors one will concentrate on.
The importance of treatment is to bring self-compassionate, acceptance and perspective to the front view and guidance to subtle interchanges. The treatment Dialectical Behavioral Therapy and Mentalizing, based on Menninger’s focus, assists with capturing one’s own thoughts, behaviors, emotions and experiences to interpret behavior of one self and others on a much leveled out scale. According to research, it is a credible source of treatment that will help short-term and long-term victims of BDD.
The overall point of this insert is to be an informant to those experiencing the effects of BDD. To make them aware that the disorder is not a myth it is definitely real, and the only way to help oneself is to deflate the denial within and get help. This disorder has plagued many females past and present, but was never confronted in our counterparts. Now that the face has changed on body image, it is best to realize what its symptoms and side effects are, seek help and be treated. No one is alone or immune with this disorder, yet the numbers grow substantially on a daily basis. So this information is in a must “BE-IN-THE-KNOW” category.
Although this same problem exists in females as well, pinpointing on men with the disorder is critical because many do not understand the symptoms of BDD. They are unaware. So ladies, do not feel as if BDD has magically vanished in our department, it still exists and is still a significant problem in our population. However, men you need the knowledge and you must become competent in this area; because if it is not you, then it could be your son or nephew in this new generation of trending body images.
FYI- Please and always research and find significance to specific issues with any disorder. There is a variety of information to endure. This article is based upon the authors research alone; however, do not stop there. There is a plethora of data to any one situation.
For more information on Body Dysmorphic Disorder, BDD please visit http://www.adaa.org/understanding-anxiety/related-illnesses/other-related-conditions/body-dysmorphic-disorder-bdd
For more information on treatment approaches please visit http://www.addictionpro.com/article/body-image-captures-wide-reach-eating-disorders
References
Goodwin, N.P. (2014, September). Body Images Captures Wide Reach in Eating Disorders. Addiction Professional, 12(5), 32-33. Retrieved from http://www.addictionpro.com/article/body-image-captures-wide-reach-eating-disorders
Staff Writer; Tameshia Holleman
This talented sister can also be found over at; ButterFly Writes 4TheState.