Weight loss, depression, and dysmorphia...?

kcoh92
kcoh92 Posts: 9 Member
in Motivation and Support
Do any others feel a dysmorphia that seems to be triggered by compliments on weight loss?? I've recently lost about 20 lbs in a few months, not at my goal yet, but also the smallest I've been as an adult (this is also the worst I've felt about my body). Lately comments about my body, even ones that are intended to be compliments, make me feel even more dissatisfied with the body I'm in. This also feels related to depression. Exercising is great for my depression but when I feel dissatisfied about my body the depression increases and I feel unmotivated (to the point of self-sabotage). It's a horrid cycle lol.

Do any of you struggle with dysmorphia even as you lose weight? If so how do you deal, and stay motivated without being too hard on yourself?

Replies

  • mbaker566
    mbaker566 Posts: 11,233 Member
    i think I read that it takes 6 months for our mind to catch to seeing our bodies in a new way.
    motivation will only take you so far. you need to make your new healthy life a habit. habits are easier to keep than motivation.
    it does make me uncomfortable to get a compliment. I am very aware of my weight and all the wider regions of my body. but i've learned to accept it. it's just a body. and i'm working toward a new one.

    good luck and i hope you find happiness and break the cycle.
  • JosieZeee
    JosieZeee Posts: 33 Member
    I know how you feel, I'm exactly the same way. When others get complimented on their figure I feel ugly yet when I DO get complimented I feel more depressed because in my eyes I look disgusting. It's a vicious cycle.... I still haven't overcome this terrible perception of myself, but I think talking to someone who is the same way as you can help
  • Gamliela
    Gamliela Posts: 2,468 Member
    edited May 2016
    I feel mor self concious since I have lost weight. If people comment or seem to look at me its uncomfortable for me. I find myself being mor comfortqble and happy wearing more modest clothes for some reason. Its ok as such, I don't know when I will really get used to my new size though as I am still going down. Hopefully I will stableyes and over time deal with it and be ok, maybe even content with my body. I hope you are too. :)
  • fernadele313
    fernadele313 Posts: 51 Member
    I've struggled with BDD most of my life. It was worse in my teens but seems to have flared up since getting into fitness this last year. I'm trying to accept I won't ever feel comfortable with my looks and figure and focus on how much exercise helps my depression.

    I know it's easy to get caught up with aesthetics though even when the emphasis should be on health
  • PSUWrestlingFan
    PSUWrestlingFan Posts: 2 Member
    I know where you are coming from. I always hated the way I looked. I was always the fat kid or funny fat kid. I had lost weight but still wasn't happy how I looked, gained weight through lifestyle change and some meds and couldn't seem to lose it. Personal issues came up gained more weight and lost even more esteem and fell into a depression and self sabotage. Working my way out but it will take a lot of time to right myself. Good luck in your journey.

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