- my iParenting
- quick clicks
- iparenting canada articles
- iparenting canada q&a
- community & groups
- research baby names
- prepare a birth plan
- content channels
- ip channel rss feeds
- read birth stories
- read parenting stories
- recommended books
- e-newsletters
- safety recalls
- ip diaries
- ip store
- mom of the month
- dad of the month
- editor's letter
- letters to the editor
From Our Sponsors
- e-newsletters
- Sign up to receive our free weekly e-newsletters
- award-winning products
The iParenting Media Awards program helps parents find the best products for their families.
The Perfect Imperfection
Body Dysmorphic Disorder
By Carma Haley Shoemaker
Parents see their teens every day and know what's "normal" for them. Needless to say, if something develops, parents should be the first to notice – and help. "I think parents need to always listen to their guts," says Weiner. "If you think your child needs help, get help. It is that simple. It is better to make a mistake and overreact than to under-react, because someone with severe depression and BDD may be likely to try drugs, sex or suicide. When you see a major change in your child and you notice habits and preoccupations that you think are 'weird,' then talk to them. Get educated! Don't judge, and go seek some professional help."
The best – and most important – thing to remember is that BDD is a legitimate mental and physical health problem affecting both younger and older women every single day. Knowledge is power. "Once we can look beyond the behaviors and symptoms and recognize that BDD is born from other circumstances and experiences, then we can truly uncover a way to help each other heal," says Weiner. "Education, knowledge and knowing when to seek professional help are the best steps in helping someone – or yourself – deal with and overcome BDD."