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Because I'm Ugly - How we'll help the Body Dysmorphic Disorder Foundation

Around 1 in 50 over 18s are suffering from Body Dysmorphic Disorder in the UK. That’s 1,075,980 people.

 

The condition is on the rise.

 

We are looking for a partner from the world of fashion, beauty, entertainment or social media to help become a part of the solution. Here’s why…

 

Body Dysmorphic Disorder is a severe mental health condition. Sufferers become intensely preoccupied with perceived defects or flaws in their appearance.

 

The condition causes extreme emotional distress – feelings of anxiety, shame, depression and disgust are common. Even if sufferers’ concerns about their appearance aren’t noticeable to others, their distress is very real and debilitating. Some sufferers become housebound, others have needless cosmetic surgery. Work and social life becomes non-existent in many cases and suicide rates are high.

 

While BDD is a complex psychological condition, it is amplified by societal conditions. This includes the ongoing portrayal of unrealistic standards of ‘beauty’ by the advertising, fashion, beauty and entertainment industries. Social media can be unhelpful too.

 

The condition also blights the lives of many children. Although figures for  sufferers aged under 18 are difficult to approximate, adults often report symptoms as starting in their early teens.

 

BDD can be treated with cognitive behavioral therapy, but demand for services are high. Waiting lists are long. Too often, people with Body Dysmorphic Disorder fall through the gaps between primary and secondary care. They are left unable to access treatment – which is vital for recovery and prolongs unnecessary suffering.

 

That’s not right!

Which is why Asociat are delighted to be helping with the important mission of the Body Dysmorphic Disorder Foundation

The BDD Foundation is the only charity in the world dedicated to Body Dysmorphic Disorder.

 

The charity raises awareness and deeper knowledge of this little understood condition and organises ongoing interventions to alleviate suffering. Last year, 430,000 people visited their website to find out more, and to access their Beating BDD podcast; which features the experiences of sufferers as a motivation for those who have not yet sought help.

 

In 2020, over 2500 people were helped directly; interventions include online support groups, CBT treatment programs, localised London support groups and an email helpline.

How are Asociat Going to Help?

  • The BDD Foundation are run very efficiently on a small budget - a little goes a long way
  • However, demand for information, support and therapy is very high
  • There's an opportunity for a brand partner with the right values to become the solution
  • We can massively extend the mission of the BDD Foundation and help more sufferers
  • Here we have a specific community with a specific need. Our partner can help meet that need
  • To co-create a far reaching community partnership; to stage more vital interventions
  • That might include extending much needed therapy to people on our waiting list
  • It might include creating a national educational event or supercharging our podcast series

Seeing Myself As Ugly

To find out how sufferers feel in their own words watch this short BBC3 clip.

Because I’m Ugly

This animation by Salvador Maldonado and Caterina Monzani was made in collaboration with the BDD Foundation. Supported by the National & Specialist OCD, BDD and Related Disorders Service for Young People at the South London and Maudsley NHS Trust.

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