Down after being diagnosed w/ Body Dysmorphia.

Hello all, I’m 38 and was just diagnosed with OCD and Body Dysmorphia Disorder. I already knew I had anxiety, depression and PTSD but the OCD surprised me and although I kinda knew I have BDD, officially getting diagnosed has upset me. I’m feeling pretty down about the BDD and OCD, because I’m starting to realize how sever these disorders are and I’m feeling really down today. Any support would be appreciated. I body check and think about my body throughout each day. For OCD, I do a lot of checking, magical thinking, researching and I doubt myself so much. I didn’t see any support groups for BDD and OCD but if anyone knows of any books or other resources, I’d love any recommendations.

j vv

Date posted: 3d

Hi Amethyst J 👋 A comment from another user here (sorry I can’t find it right now!) helped something click for me. I’m paraphrasing: ‘Remember, diagnosis is helping you be aware of something you already had—it isn’t a death sentence! Now you have the knowledge and power to move forward.’ That being said, When I was diagnosed, it took a while to accept. I felt very trapped and unsure of myself for not having been aware of my condition for so many years. It made me doubt who I was, my past decision making (was it OCD? Or me?). In the end, I accepted that this has been a part of me for a very long time, and the past has already happened. I can choose to love myself (yes, even parts of me that are bizarre, like OCD) and choose to improve each day. It was very comforting for me to know that in my past, I’ve always done my best. Now that I’ve been diagnosed, I can keep doing my best—just with a clearer understanding of where to put my energy! Hope you feel better soon 🫂

Amethyst_J

Date posted: 2d

@j vv Thank you that it helpful.

JazzyJez86

User type: OCD Conqueror

Date posted: Yesterday

I also was diagnosed at 38 (recently turned 39) and felt relieved at first that my “generalized anxiety disorder” was actually something more specific. It explained how my first intrusive thought spiraled me into anxiety and depression at 13. But after the relief quickly came anger and deep indescribable sadness that now I have to live with this and nothing will ever make it truly go away. Acceptance has been hard for me and still is some days, but after a year in therapy at NOCD I’m slowly learning to accept. Just give it time and know some days will be better and some will be worse, but it’s all a part of the journey to managing your OCD. The biggest thing to remember is you’re not alone 💙

Amethyst_J

Date posted: Yesterday

@JazzyJez86 Thank you very much, this is helpful.

BrianaW33

User type: OCD Conqueror

Date posted: 4d

There are support groups available on this app. The best things you can do is get into ERP therapy asap. Sounds like a lot of mental compulsions are taking place and therapy is the best way to get tools to help. Try to stay off the internet or research things, it just feed the OCD

Anonymous

Date posted: 4d

After I was initially diagnosed with OCD I dealt with a lot of shame but that changed when I joined a NOCD support group and started listening to the OCD Stories podcast. It helped me feeling hopeful about the path forward. You might find that podcast helpful. There are a ton of episodes and I know there are a few specifically on BDD.

Amethyst_J

Date posted: 3d

Thank you both. I am in ERP therapy here at NOCD and am in a support group but not one for BDD. I was just super down today but am doing better now. I really appreciate you giving some ideas and support, it can be so lonely struggling with OCD.

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