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The Hidden Crisis: Negative Body Image, Body Dysmorphia, and the Alarming Rise of Suicide

breacannady

In our modern, hyperconnected world, the image we present to the world often becomes an intrinsic part of how we see ourselves. For many, this focus on appearance remains benign, an occasional preoccupation. But for others, especially those wrestling with negative body image or Body Dysmorphic Disorder (BDD), it can spiral into something far darker—debilitating distress, isolation, and in many cases, thoughts of suicide.


a disordered mannequin head


The Rise of Suicidal Thoughts Linked to Body Image

Body image concerns have become a pervasive mental health issue, affecting individuals across age groups and demographics, though some groups face a heightened risk. In a recent survey by the Mental Health Foundation, 13% of adults in the UK reported experiencing suicidal thoughts due to body image struggles, and these figures are even starker for the LGBTQIA+, among whom 33% reported such distress. For those who suffer from Body Dysmorphia (BDD), the risk of suicidality is even more staggering: nearly 80% of sufferers experience suicidal ideation, and roughly 24% to 28% have attempted suicide at least once.


What is Body Dysmorphia?


Body Dysmorphic Disorder (BDD) is far more than a cosmetic concern; it’s a serious mental health condition that can be paralysing. While genetic and biological factors play a role in developing BDD, the disorder is often triggered by negative social experiences like bullying, societal pressures, abuse, or trauma.


Early childhood experiences can be particularly harmful; individuals who have faced bullying or belittlement about their looks often carry deep-seated insecurities. Even positive comments on appearance can trigger BDD by intensifying a person’s fixation on specific features, reinforcing their self-consciousness and fuelling the obsessive scrutiny. Individuals may start fixating on certain physical attributes, seeking to correct perceived imperfections that, in reality, may not exist at all, yet to those with BDD, they feel overwhelmingly real and unbearable.

This fixation is further reinforced by cultural and societal norms that often link self-worth to appearance. For many, conforming to idealised standards becomes a source of validation, embedding the belief that to be accepted or valued, one must meet these standards—however unattainable they may be. This internalisation of societal ideals can drive individuals deeper into the obsessive, self-critical mindset characteristic of BDD. For some, the suffering becomes so great that suicide feels like the only way to escape the torment.


Body Dysmorphic Disorder (BDD) is closely related to Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (OCD) and is often categorised within the OCD spectrum of disorders. Both BDD and OCD involve intrusive, obsessive thoughts and repetitive behaviours. In BDD, these obsessions are specifically focused on perceived flaws in one’s appearance, which can lead to compulsive behaviours aimed at "fixing" or concealing these perceived imperfections—like excessive mirror-checking, skin picking, or seeking cosmetic procedures.

Unlike those with negative body image, people with BDD are almost guaranteed to find no benefits from cosmetic procedures. In fact, elective aesthetic treatments often worsen the condition. This is because BDD involves a deep-rooted obsession with perceived flaws that no physical change can address. For those with negative body image, cosmetic procedures may provide temporary satisfaction and relief, addressing specific areas of dissatisfaction. However, in BDD, the underlying obsession is not truly about the physical features but about achieving an unattainable "perfect" self. When one “flaw” is corrected, the fixation often shifts to another area, perpetuating a cycle that procedures can’t break. As a result, BDD patients typically find that cosmetic changes exacerbate their distress, further entrenching the disorder and often leading to disappointment and a heightened sense of inadequacy.



The Social Media Factor: Fuelling the Fire of Body Dissatisfaction

Social media, with its curated feeds and constant comparisons, has intensified body image issues among young people worldwide. We live in a society that places a high value on physical appearance, and with the rise of social media, individuals are now constantly exposed to idealised, often digitally enhanced images of beauty. This exposure creates unrealistic standards and fuels a cycle of comparison, particularly for young people who are more vulnerable to these messages. Adolescents and young adults, in particular, find themselves internalising these pressures, often leading to obsessive self-criticism as they struggle to measure up to these unreachable ideals. As their dissatisfaction grows, they may become hyper-focused on specific features, which can evolve into BDD’s persistent preoccupation with perceived flaws.


In September 2021, the Wall Street Journal exposed findings from Facebook’s own research, which found that Instagram negatively impacts body image for one in three teenage girls. The platform was shown to contribute to a toxic cycle of social comparison, exacerbating feelings of inadequacy and dissatisfaction.

Adolescents who frequently compare themselves to others online report significantly higher levels of body dissatisfaction and even turn to unhealthy weight control behaviours, trying desperately to “fit” into idealised molds presented online. These issues, already challenging to navigate, become all the more overwhelming when self-worth and identity are tied to likes, comments, and followers.


Amid growing awareness, more voices are challenging the unrealistic beauty standards and pressures that society and social media enforce. To address the heightened suicide risk tied to body image and BDD, we must respond with compassion, deeper understanding, and a commitment to redefine the narratives surrounding appearance and self-worth. In a world where appearance can feel like everything, it’s crucial to remind ourselves—and each other—that our true value lies not in our reflection, but in the unique and often unseen qualities that make us who we are.



Confronting a Mental Health Crisis

Body image issues and BDD represent a public health crisis that urgently requires action. Their impact on mental well-being, especially within vulnerable groups, highlights the need for both personal and systemic interventions. Schools, families, and mental health professionals must actively collaborate to support those at risk, while tech companies bear responsibility for the influence their platforms have on users' mental health.

Building awareness and expanding access to support for those affected by body image issues and BDD are essential steps. Programs that encourage healthy self-perception, foster media literacy, and build resilience can empower individuals to navigate the pressures of digital comparison and the pursuit of unattainable perfection.




 

Learn more about the link between body image and mental health. Join PREPÆRE's free virtual event hosted by Dr Lars Hansen and PREPÆRE's founder, Brea Cannady.



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