"I Thought I Was Disgusting And Wanted to Die" - Brooke's Story

In this 7 On Sundays episode, Dr. Chez and Stephanie to to Brooke, a college student who bravely shares her struggles with genital dysmorphia, a form of body dysmorphia. Genital dysmorphia involves a constant concern about the genitalia. Body dysmorphic Disorder (BDD) is diagnosed when an individual has a preoccupation with an imagined defect in their appearance or an exaggerated concern with minor aspects of their physical appearance. This preoccupation causes significant disruption in social, occupational, sexual and other areas of functioning. Like our guest today, these individuals often report social isolation, anxiety, increased depression, and even suicidal thoughts (Bjornsson et al, 2010, Himanshu, 2020). Two thirds of individuals with BDD develop the disorder before age 18 (Bjornsson et al., 2010). 

 There is an increase in young people seeking plastic surgery, as our guest Brooke did. A relatively new phenomenon called, “Snapchat Dysmorphia” describes a preoccupation with wanting to look like a filtered self image from social media and seeking surgical consult for this. Increased social media screen time contributes to dissatisfied body image, particularly for young girls. Research indicates that BDD affects 2.4% of the population, however, it is likely that this number is lower due to undiagnosed and unknown individuals who struggle but do not reach out for help.

Our guest, Brooke, shares how damaging comments from peers, societal pressures, and cultural stigmas shaped her self-worth, genital dysmorphia, and OCD (Obsessive Compulsive Disorder). We also discuss “the orgasm gap,” the impact of societal norms on sexual satisfaction, and the importance of open dialogue about sexual health and body image. This episode emphasizes the need to stop shaming others' bodies and to embrace self-love and acceptance over the pursuit for “perfection” (which does not exist).

RESOURCES

Emily Nagoski  “Come As You Are”

https://www.instagram.com/the.vulva.gallery/

 

TIMESTAMPS

00:00 Introduction and Trigger Warning

01:17 Brooke's Story: Struggles with Genital Dysmorphia

07:41 What Triggered All This?

11:48 Cultural Critique: The Pursuit of Perfection

21:45 The History of Shaming Vaginas

24:23 The Orgasm Gap and Female Pleasure

29:30 The Importance of Open Conversations

37:42 The Impact of OCD on Body Image

39:29 Healing Through Relationships and Self-Acceptance

42:23 The Power of Positive Affirmations

43:51 Challenging Genital Shaming

48:08 Therapy and Self-Reflection

54:42 Wrap up: Stop Talking About Others Bodies