Why Am I Obsessed With My Appearance?
Many people are concerned about their appearance, but others cross a line and become obsessed. You might have a hard time walking past a mirror without giving yourself a critical look, and you might find it difficult to go out with friends unless your hair is slicked back or you’ve had your makeup done.
If you’re struggling to live a normal life because of your obsessions and compulsions, talk to someone about it. This will help you understand the situation and get treatment.
Identifying the Causes of Your Obsession
The first step is to figure out why you’re obsessed with your appearance. Often, the reason is a irrational insecurity about your appearance. This insecurity can make you feel depressed, anxious or ashamed about yourself, and it can lead you to seek out cosmetic procedures to “fix” your perceived flaws.
You could also have a condition called body dysmorphic disorder (BDD), which is an anxiety disorder that causes you to spend an excessive amount of time thinking about your appearance and worrying about how other people may view it.
This condition can be treated with medication and cognitive behavioral therapy. You may be able to develop healthier ways of looking at yourself and your appearance.
Self-Criticism and Constructive Feedback
You might need to improve your self-esteem and build a stronger support system. You can do this by finding honest friends who are willing to tell you the truth about your imperfections. You can also try to show others that you’re a strong person who can accept criticism in a constructive way.
Meditation and Mindfulness Training
You can start by practicing mindfulness. Rather than trying to fix your appearance, focus on relaxing and paying attention to the present moment. This will help you learn to observe your thoughts, feelings and sensations without judgment or interpretation.
When you notice yourself noticing something that is “not good” about your appearance, gently bring your attention to the part of yourself that is receiving those negative comments and criticisms. Do this several times.
Then, try expanding your attention from the part of yourself that is being judged to all parts of yourself. This will help you develop more empathy for yourself and begin to see the positive aspects of your appearance.
Practicing this practice daily can help you become more confident and comfortable in your own skin. Eventually, you’ll learn to accept yourself for who you are, regardless of how you look.
Consider a Relationship with Someone Else
You’ll want to work on building positive relationships with people who don’t have a negative attitude toward your appearance. For example, you might find that a friend who constantly makes negative comments about your appearance can be distracting and annoying. You might need to limit your interactions with this person or set boundaries that prohibit them from making comments about your appearance in the future.
