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How do you gain confidence and get over insecurities without the help of a psychologist?

Asked by Lilo777 (109points) October 25th, 2012

I’ve struggled with body dysmorphic disorder for YEARS now and I’m tired of it. I have received professional help (from school counselors to psychologists) and it’s helped me overcome social anixety but the terrible body image is still there.
I find parts of my body to focus on and I critique them and criticize them until I’m left feeling like crap. I’ll put on a nice dress and I know deep down that I look good but then a part of me finds something, some defect, and it makes me absolutely miserable. To the point that I’m snappy and flat out rude to people who simply ask what’s wrong. I’ve been to so many plastic surgeons and sometimes I spend hours researching procedures that could help me. I know I sound crazy. I take two anti-depressants so my mood is pretty well controlled… but the self-loathing and constantly putting myself down is starting to drive me nuts. I’d say it definitely affects my daily life.
And even my relationship – I’m embarrassed to go anywhere with my boyfriend that involves meeting his friends. I hate when he introduces me to people because I wonder if they’re thinking how ugly I am, or if they think I’m a downgrade from his ex-girlfriends. Our sex life is pretty good, but I am not comfortable being naked at all and I can’t initiate ANYTHING because I’m constantly thinking he’s going to judge me – even though thinking logically about it I know he loves me. I just don’t know what to do.
I want to get over this disorder; I’m tired of living a life centered so much around my body image but I don’t know how to stop. I don’t really have the time nor money to see a psychologist again. If you have any tips or personal experience, please share. Help :(

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