• BDD is basically a perception disorder where I see a warped version of myself when I look in mirrors or see pictures/videos of myself. It's similar to an anorexic seeing a fat person in the mirror, but without the eating disorder.

• I started on medication to treat OCD about 3 months ago, since BDD was recently classified as a disorder that stems off of OCD.

• It has had an effect on every part of my life, from how I act to what I feel I'm missing out on. For example, I make a conscious effort to avoid all mirrors/reflective surfaces anytime I'm out in public and dislike using public restrooms specifically for the fact that they have mirrors.

• My current passions include painting and playing a few instruments. I feel that I've missed out on several opportunities throughout my life like not pursuing modeling when I kept getting scouted, all because of my hatred of seeing myself on camera. I have avoided several job opportunities and potential once-in-a-lifetime experiences.

• I used to just cry for hours in my room, despising myself for being trapped in this body... but since starting medication, my obsessive thoughts about it have gotten much better