"I feel like a beached whale"
every month right before I start my period I notice that I have a more negative attitude about my body image and my body dysmorphia gets worse. I rationally know that it is because of hormonal changes in my body and brain, but that doesn't help me emotionally.
How do I work through it? I honestly just ignore it. I act like its not there, I don't look at or think about my body as much. I don't pay mind to if I am bloated or not because I know these feelings are temporary and wont last forever. I also know myself and if I ruminate about how my body looks and feels all the time it leads to poor coping mechanisms and harmful behaviors when its not that big of a deal. but rumination will make me feel like there is a problem with my body that I need to work to fix.
Cognitive Behavioral Therapy actually helped me a lot. Around a year ago I made the decision to completely change my life starting from my mind, this led to learning about neural plasticity and behavior change, eventually CBT was presented to me as a tool and I started to journal daily or during episodes where I was actively struggling and I noticed a significant change. It's such a simple way of reframing thoughts, but it made a significant difference to me!
so my body dysmorphia didn't go away but my mental landscape is structured differently where I am able to deal with my emotions better because of the work I have done and continue to do!
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My sister used to make all sorts of clay creations just like you! She passed away unfortunately. But her memories live on
Hey if you ever want someone to talk to, I’ve been learning a lot about change and neuroplasticity. My life was setup for the age of artificial intelligence and go follow Hollywood. I was kidnapped briefly a few times as a child. Stuff happened but I’m okay and learning to remember that I’m a good person because this life is filled with so many people who are so fast to judge.
Really working every day, 7 days a week, 52 weeks out of the year to completely turn my life around and I’m making so much progress. I absolutely love your progress you’re doing wonderfully! If you ever want to talk about anything, just reach out.