Self-esteem and its influence on cases of Dysmorphophobia

We analyze why self-perception is key in this disorder.

Self-esteem is the value we place on who we are, while self-concept refers to how we perceive ourselves.

Both are vital from our earliest childhood, where what we believe we are to our parents, siblings and early friends is key. The early family environment will be the basis for strong emotional relationships.

Self-image: how does it develop?

After childhood comes adolescence, another critical stage in which self-image begins to be established and developed and romantic relationships appear.. How these relationships are experienced will influence our way of dealing with the dynamics of couples and emotions in the future. This is a time of change for people and that these relationships are usually lived with uncertainty, with intensity, but also with great disappointments, so it will be necessary to help boys and girls.

Another area in which the lack of self-esteem can play tricks on us is the work environment, which is becoming more and more competitive every day and in which we have to help boys and girls.We have to feel reinforced in order to handle ourselves without problems. In our work place we are confronted every day with a variety of situations that test how we value ourselves. Some, almost always the negative ones, are repeated daily, and make us question many things.

To avoid being hurt by established hierarchical relationships, labor injustices or bad relationships with colleagues, we must have self-confidence and be able to accept criticism.

Self-esteem and self-image

In these times in which the image has become very important, it is impossible to talk about self-esteem without referring to it; to social networks, chats, selfies and instagram in which many lives, not always real, are exposed.

The overexposure is producing many self-esteem problems in people who do not feel good about their physique.. The comparison with other people in the network profiles and the social demand to show off a good body has increased their discomfort.

For those who prioritize image above all other levels, the impact of not feeling good about their external appearance will be very high in this context.

The problem occurs when this fixation on our physique is excessive, as it can generate stress, anxiety, as well as verbalizations and behaviors aimed at camouflaging or modifying our physical appearance. In these cases, psychologists speak of dysmorphophobic disorder.

This disorder can be the final point in a path plagued with insecurities and complexes that crystallize in beliefs of this type.

In this case, the affected person will have to get in the hands of a professional who, in the first place, will make him/her understand what is causing him/her so much discomfort. In a second stage, psychologist and client will work on the beliefs that are limiting him/her.

Is dysmorphophobia treatable?

Of course, there are effective treatments to minimize dysmorphophobia.The treatment can help the patient to noticeably reduce his discomfort and to make the small physical complexes more bearable.

Without going to such an extreme, the discomfort manifests itself, for example, in the obsession to go shopping and in negative verbalizations in front of the mirror, the classic "I have nothing to wear" in front of a closet full of clothes. Adolescents, especially women, due to the social pressure to which they are subjected, often experience this type of insecurity problems.

We should not take as a triviality the constant need to buy and release new clothes, accessories or any other object or complement that reinforces the personal image, if not being able to do so has an impact on well-being.

It is very important to monitor these behaviors in adolescence, a time in which, as I mentioned earlier, a large part of how we see ourselves is forged.

Tips for taking care of self-esteem

Self-esteem is key throughout our lives and we must always take care of it and cultivate it. It must be pampered and reinforced. For this I leave you these tips.

• Value and appreciate the achievements, even if they are small, that you get every day.
• Defend your assertive rights. You don't have to say "yes" to everyone. If someone criticizes you or makes fun of you, ask them what they mean and defend yourself calmly but forcefully.
• Mistakes are human. You also have the right to make them.
• Don't be afraid of making a fool of yourself, you will see that, if it happens, it is not as bad as you had imagined.
• Be proud of what you have achieved in the past and in the present.
• Don't be so modest. If someone compliments you, thank them and don't undervalue yourself.
• Don't let your fears stop you from pursuing your goals.

And, of course, if you think you need psychological support, do not hesitate to go to your reference center..