BDD Recovery Stages

5 Stages of Recovery from Body Dysmorphic Disorder

Adapted from the 5 Stages of Recovery for Mental Health from Georgetown Behavioral Health

l. Seeking clinical treatment: Accept that you have a treatable mental health condition and seek help from trained professionals for therapy and/or medication. Avoid getting plastic surgery or getting (more) cosmetic/dermatological procedures to fix disliked body part(s).

2. Gaining education and insight: Learn about body dysmorphic disorder (BDD), the causes, symptoms, and treatment options. Increase your knowledge and insight by reading books about BDD and listening to podcasts. This could include self-diagnosis and gaining insight as a first step to recovery.

3. Making positive changes: Set goals and objectives to measure your progress and take positive actions towards recovery. This could include joining support groups, mental health coaching, and learning how to manage BDD thoughts, feelings, and behaviors. Track changes to keep motivated and to overcome setbacks.

4. Coping with and overcoming setbacks: Learn how to overcome bad days and relapses using coping skills. Coping skills can include meditation, exercise, mindfulness, and self-compassion.

5. Finding new meaning: Engage in enjoyable social activities and hobbies, close personal relationships, and increase your self-esteem and self-confidence. Know you are valuable and lovable as a person. Your self-worth is not dependent on your appearance.

Disclaimer: The five stages of recovery from body dysmorphic disorder may be different for individuals with the disorder. Some people overcome BDD symptoms and others cope with symptoms throughout their lives.