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I feel ugly
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I'm 22 years old and rarely leave my house because of the way I look. I feel that I don't look as nice as other people, and I'm very aware of my flaws. When I do go out, I spend hours trying to contour my face in an attempt to make it look thinner, and I avoid letting anyone take a photo of me at all costs. I've even gone to the extent of restricting my food intake in an attempt to lose weight on my face, though it seems no matter how thin I get, my face still looks fat.
My reason for posting this is because I'm having a hard time seeing anything other than this flaw, and my obsession with it is making me feel awful. I just want to stop thinking about it.
I'm wondering if anyone else feels like this?
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Dear Batman
Hello and welcome to Beyond Blue. If I tell you that people are more concerned with the inner Batman than one feature I expect you will say you have heard that before and don't believe it. And that's OK. It really is true but you cannot see this. The trick is be aware of all your flaws and all your good points.
Try writing a list of good and bad parts of you, much like a pros and cons list. Include your traits as well as the physical bits. This is where you need to be strictly honest with yourself. No false modesty and overstating. Do you have any siblings who could help with this? Sibling are usually the people who will give you the most honest feedback but sometimes like to string you along. If no siblings then what about a friend or two?
When you compiled your list take a good hard look. Where does your alleged fat face come in obviousness? Are you kind to others, do you have a job, do you help with the household chores, are you fit and healthy, are you honest in your interactions with others, do you like cats (or dogs)? I could make a huge list but these examples will give you some idea. Ask yourself if anyone cares if your face is fuller than someone else's.
Do you think a full face is a symptom of an illness? If so, go and get it checked out. You've tried dieting with no decrease in face size so perhaps this is your proper size. Count yourself fortunate. Most men have two left feet. Sorry, an attempt at humour.
If this concern is consuming your life then go and have a chat with your GP. You can get your face checked out and if it is still of concern the GP can suggest other options. I know these things can be a huge problem to people which is why you need to nip it in the bud ASAP.
Please write in again and give us a progress report.
Mary
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Hi The Batman,
I'm also 22! I used to have low self-esteem, and I would get self-conscious about my appearance too. Being excessively self-critical is exhausting and upsetting. As Mary said, going to your GP is a good option. Without help, you are at a very high risk of developing an eating disorder, if you haven't already. I was ill with an eating disorder several years ago, but I'm thankfully happy and healthy again. I really hope this restricted food intake doesn't develop further for you. I learned the hard way that being very underweight has a multitude of health repercussions. It can lead to depression, digestive problems, very low energy levels, irritability, sleeplessness and many others.
Like Mary suggested, try talking to siblings or friends. I realise this may seem uncomfortable. If you're close to your Mum, then seeking emotional support from her could be beneficial.
Appearances are important to society (unfortunately), but many people you will come across in the future will look beyond that, at your personality, humour, skills, life experiences, opinions, values, and so on. Taking pride in your appearance is completely normal. Finding the balance between focusing on self-presentation and other areas of your life is the key.
Best wishes,
SM
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