Acne Dysmorphia

TIGGER WARNING TALKING ABOUT MENTAL HEALTH. 

Acne Dysmorphia, what is it? 

Acne Dysmorphia is a form of BMD (body dysmorphia) and what is that even?

The definition of BMD is

A mental illness involving obsessive focus on a perceived flaw in appearance.
The flaw may be minor or imagined. But the person may spend hours a day trying to fix it. The person may try many cosmetic procedures or exercise to excess.
People with this disorder may frequently examine their appearance in a mirror, constantly compare their appearance with that of others, and avoid social situations or photos.
Treatment may include counseling and antidepressant medication.
Theres no surprises that acne can effect your mental health. If you've ever had acne or currently struggle with acne, you know how draining it is. That's because society has taught us unrealistic beauty standers at a very young age, unfortunately. If you're on the internet at all, that's all you see is retouched photo's of literally everyone around you. That alone can be a lot of pressure on someone struggling with body image. 
Acne dysmorphia can be triggered by those unrealistic standards  - making you think theres more things wrong with your skin than there really is. Being fixated on a minor imperfection. Acne dysmorphia can be like ptsd if you've ever had your acne treated, now managed but you're still so obsessed with the fact that you've had breakouts that your mind is telling you that you still do and that's what you see when you look at yourself. It can be fear of thinking your acne is coming back after getting it managed, this can be very stressful and overwhelming. If you've ever had any sort of body dysmorphia you're more at risk to have ADM. 
ADM can come after struggling with acne. 
I've come here to tell you having BDM or any forms of BDM you're absolutely not alone. Growing up with BDM is something I've personally have dealt with from a very young age to present. It can be extremely debilitating and dark at times. I used to be so ashamed to talk about it, because telling someone who's never experienced its hard for them to understand what that feels like. I personally never liked to because of the reactions that I'd get ex) "shut up no you don't" "you're crazy" "she probably just wants attention" things like that are hard to hear when its something you feel like you physically see in the mirror. Please be gentle on how you react to people who open up about their feelings.  I say this to maybe help anyone who also deals with BDM. My email or inbox is always open to listen & help as best as possible. 
I want to drop some tips that I feel like help me on a day where my BDM is at its worst. 
Get up & move your body. 
Go outside for fresh air - like a walk, jog even just standing outside. 
Journal about your feelings because what you're feeling in this moment is valid. 
Learn about your disorder, it can empower you to stick with your treatments. 
Speak with a therapist & come up with a treatment plan. 
Avoid drugs and alcohol. 
Don't isolate yourself.
Find a support group, Im here for you. 
Don't make and life changing decisions when you're at your lowest. 
Reduce how often you look in the mirror.
Make a to do list for that day,  stay focused. 
Avoid speaking negative about yourself, practice positive affirmations even if you might not believe them in the moment.
Note that its just a bad day not a bad life, this too shall past.
Find ways to relax like yoga, reading a book, stay off the internet.