1. What is Phantom Ugliness?
"Phantom ugliness", the scientific name of body dysmorphic disorder (BDD), refers to a psychological disorder in which patients imagine and exaggerate their own defects, which leads to pain. The cause of "phantom ugliness" is still unclear, which may be the inheritance of basic wind, the endocrine disorder of the brain, or the past traumatic experience. People who were laughed at, bullied or abused as children are more likely to get "phantom ugliness"
Second, the symptoms of phantom ugliness.
If the following symptoms occur frequently:
I always worry that some part of myself is not good (especially my face).
Always compare your appearance with others.
Look in the mirror every day, or always avoid looking in the mirror.
Try hard to cover up your shortcomings (such as asking for a long time to comb your hair/make up/choose clothes).
In order to "smooth" the face, squeeze out the acne on the face.
In fact, paying special attention to appearance and always looking down on yourself is only the initial symptom of BDD.
How to treat phantom ugliness?
If you have extraordinary anxiety about your appearance, what you need is not cosmetic surgery, but cognitive adjustment. These methods can help you:
Biological agent therapy
BDD has a neurobiological basis and can "prescribe the right medicine".
psychotherapy
Cognitive behavioral therapy is a common treatment. On the one hand, we should dare to expose our "defects", on the other hand, we should avoid comparing our looks with others.
Social therapy
You can also ask friends and relatives for help, explore your own advantages and divert your attention.