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Change is Going to Come

By Stephen

Here is something that may not surprise you.

Things don’t change on their own, you have to change with them, or maybe more like – you have to change for them… to change that is.

6 weeks into our around the world adventure and I found myself slipping into the doldrums of self-hate and isolation.

It took something to set me off, in this case, it was a mild head cold, followed by a rather intense week with our 6-year-old.

I guess we were both grieving.

I hide it well right? They don’t see me, they don’t know I have this obnoxious illness called BDD?

I am certain that they will figure it out sometime.  Maybe when they are older and they wonder why dad doesn’t look into mirrors or try clothes on. Or why dad is afraid of getting a haircut.

Speaking of which, my hair is very long now, as I haven’t been able to get up the confidence to sit in the mirror to get it cut.

I dabbed some makeup on my nose today and felt better, the depressions lasted one day this time, that was fast I thought, what a difference a day makes.

 A Change is Going to Come

I have had a bit of a transition.

I have been swimming in the pool, talking with strangers and sometimes even forgetting about my facial deformity.  Well not completely but at least long enough to enjoy a few moments of mental peace and quiet.

A few sunsets, a few morning runs, a cool breeze.

Life outside of isolation has been good for me.

On good days, out with the family, out for dinner, interacting with the world I feel human again.

This trip was a good idea, it is making a difference, 6 weeks in… Not bad, but can it last?

Filed Under: Overcoming Body Dysmorphic Disorder Tagged With: BDD, Change

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If you’d like something to read alongside these essays, I’ve collected a few books and resources for the journey →

About Stephen

My name is Stephen and I was officially diagnosed with BDD in October of 2012. I have lived with it my whole life. This blog is my story, my shame, and my path to recovery. It starts on Day 1 of my new life. To live, and love myself, to teach others how to do the same, and learn more about what it means to live with body dysmorphic disorder. Here are some resources that I use...

Comments

  1. allison muir says

    November 8, 2014 at 4:56 am

    helpful website for me..lifelong struggle with eating disorders and body image/self hatred..want to recover,become healthy today.trying to cultivate daily gratitude and affirmations.

    • Stephen says

      November 20, 2014 at 11:54 am

      Hi Allison, I have my ups and downs with this one as well, but today you have reminded me that I should indeed be grateful, so thank you!

      – Stephen