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The Guardian - AU
The Guardian - AU
National
Lydia Hales

‘Why would you find me attractive?’: the body disorder that needs more attention

Illustration of woman looking in mirror
Body dysmorphic disorder involves preoccupation with perceived – but nonexistent or minor – flaws, causing enormous distress. Photograph: btrot60/Getty Images

On a typical day, Eve* would wake up and start prodding at her body while still in bed. She would avoid catching sight of herself while showering, or while trying to find an outfit to best hide her body.

“The day would usually be spent at work thinking about what to eat or not to eat and worrying about how I appeared to others, making sure I was holding in my stomach or standing or sitting behind something. I would check myself in every reflective surface I passed during my entire waking moments: shop windows, bathrooms, cars, mirrors.”

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