News

Broken Mirror Film by Indriyaan Theatre Group

Indriyaan Theatre Group and Performing Arts School Produce Film on BDD

Broken Mirror offers a poignant portrayal of Body Dysmorphic Disorder, exploring the tumultuous journey of those grappling with this often misunderstood condition. Directed by the talented Ashwin Agrawal from Indriyaan Theatre Group & Living Bread Production, this film stands as a testament to the power of cinema in shedding light on mental health struggles with empathy and authenticity.

Having had the privilege of a private screening at the BDD Foundation, courtesy of Ashwin Agrawal, it’s evident that Broken Mirror has the potential to spark important conversations surrounding mental health. Its depiction of BDD and its impact on individuals and their loved ones is commendable and essential in bringing greater awareness and understanding of the condition.

From the opening scenes, the film demonstrates the pain and anguish experienced by individuals with BDD. The film follows a realistic trajectory, exploring the debilitating behaviours that accompany the disorder, the challenges of accessing treatment, and the solace found in support groups. Broken Mirror shows commitment to portraying the nuances of BDD without sensationalism or stereotype, allowing viewers to truly understand the internal battles fought by those affected.

Ashwin Agrawal’s direction is fantastic, navigating the delicate subject matter with extensive research, sensitivity and compassion. The performances by the cast are exceptional, with each actor embodying their characters with real authenticity.

One of the film’s greatest strengths lies in its portrayal of hope and resilience. As the female protagonist Ahana, played by the incredible Titiksha Taggar, navigates her journey towards self-acceptance and healing, the film beautifully illustrates the power of pursuing values unrelated to appearance. By highlighting the importance of support networks and seeking professional help, the film offers a message of hope to those grappling with similar struggles, reminding them that they are not alone in their journey towards recovery and there is so much more to them than appearance.

We are feeling lucky to have seen the film prior to it’s full release. Ashwin Agrawal and the entire team behind the film have created a piece of work that deserves recognition. The film has been nominated for multiple film festivals including LAFA 2024 and World Film Fest Cannes. With its powerful message of resilience and hope, Broken Mirror is a must-watch for audiences seeking meaningful and thought provoking cinema.

Watch this space!

‘Heart On Your Sleeve’ Chosen Designs – Pre order open

We are excited to share the outcome of the Tilted East x BDDF Design Opportunity

PRE-ORDER NOW OPEN

The chosen t-shirt & poster designs are now available on pre-order only until 18th April, and will be shipped from 29th April. 50% of profits will support the BDD Foundation. Don’t miss out!

At the start of this year, BDD Foundation and Tilted East teamed up to collaborate on a t-shirt design opportunity, offering those living with BDD a space to share their experience through creativity and design, with the chance to have their design featured on a Tilted East t-shirt. We’ve been totally overwhelmed with how many people engaged in the opportunity, and bravely and beautifully shared their artwork alongside narratives about their personal and unique experiences of living with BDD.

Throughout March, we’ve been sharing the amazing designs we’ve received and many of the BDD community have connected what they’ve seen. It’s been such a wonderful opportunity to give each and everyone of your experiences with BDD the best chance to be recognised and understood for exactly what they are.

We are now pleased to share 2 chosen designs – one will be featured on a Tilted East t-shirt, and one on a poster.

Featured T-shirt

We have selected ‘Til I Get Okay’ By Hazel San Jose to be featured on a limited edition Tilted East T shirt.

Inside the four walls of her room, she sits atop a wooden digital box printing out the diagnosis of mirror count #1104 that reads “Getting There.” Nobody knows the lengths she has gone down the rabbit hole of appearance issues, a journey of countless mirror gazing of her facial features, testing the mirror’s authenticity. She believed it, but the strewn papers of negative diagnoses constantly reminded her that soon enough, she would be “Okay.”

Hazel’s design and narrative resonates strongly with what many people experience in BDD, and really tells a story even without the narrative. We hope many of you will relate to Hazel’s amazing design and know it’s going to look great printed on a tee!

Featured Poster

In addition to the chosen t-shirt design, we are excited to share a chosen poster design from the ‘Heart On Your Sleeve’ design opportunity. We have selected ‘Patchwork’ By Kat Hall to be featured on a limited edition Tilted East Poster.

This design represents the experience I have with BDD-at times I can see my face as a jumbled up mixture of facial features, almost like Frankenstein’s monster or a patchwork face comprising of all the “wrong” parts.

Kat’s design really stood out to us as an eye-catching piece, and also strongly resonated with the BDD experience. That feeling of facial features looking out of place, or seeing things differently each time we see ourselves in the mirror is one we are confident many will connect with.

Thanks again to everyone that took part in the design opportunity. We appreciate every one of you, as well as everyone who engaged with the art on our social media. It means so much. We loved all your designs for different reasons and will continue to share more from the artists involved over the coming weeks 💙

The t-shirt & poster are now available to pre-order only until 18th April, and will be shipped from 29th April. 50% of profits will support the BDD Foundation. Don’t miss out!

PRE-ORDER HERE

Join us for 10K in May – Your Way!

This May, join us to run, walk, cycle, or step 10K in May. Choose your challenge and get fundraising for the BDD Foundation!

What’s it all about?

10K in May is a community fundraising opportunity, with lots of accessible options to take part, and the chance to make a real difference to the lives of those living with BDD. The goal is to come together as a collective to fundraise for the BDD Foundation. Each individual will do their own version of the challenge, but with a mutual shared goal.

Tell me more…

This challenge is adaptable for both individuals and teams, allowing flexibility to cater to your preferences. Whether you choose to cover a 10K distance daily, weekly, or over the course of the month – opt for walking, running, cycling or steps, the choice is yours. It’s really 10K in May – your way! Consider joining forces with friends and family to form a team and collectively tackle the kilometres. Your support is crucial to ensure the BDD Foundation can sustain its essential services for individuals with BDD and their loved ones.

I’m in, what happens next?

3 simple steps:

  • Choose your challenge from the suggestions given, or create your own version of completing 10K a day/week/month in May.
  • Set up a Just Giving page to gather sponsorships, and let people know why you have chosen to join the challenge and raise money for BDDF. Contact us on fundraising@bddfoundation.org to get access to your digital fundraising pack and BDDF branded water bottle!
  • Get moving and get sharing! From 1st May, begin your chosen challenge and encourage friends and family to sponsor you.

Let’s go!

Will you choose to run, walk or cycle 10k in the month, 10k a week or perhaps challenge yourself to 10k steps a day? The choice is yours! So, let’s see how much we can fundraise when we come together in a collective challenge!

If you have any questions, don’t hesitate to reach out for a chat on fundraising@bddfoundation.org 📩

AnDy Darling Releases Song in Partnership with BDD Foundation

AnDy Darling aims to illustrate that many individuals, regardless of appearance, can grapple with feelings of inadequacy and insecurity.

We are excited to announce our collaboration with @andy_darling_ae to raise awareness about body image issues and Body Dysmorphic Disorder (BDD) through her latest song, “Skinny.” The song, available on all music streaming platforms, explores the societal pressures surrounding body image.

BDD, affecting approximately 2% of the population, is more common than disorders like schizophrenia and bipolar disorder. As many of you will know, despite its prevalence, the stigma and misunderstanding surrounding BDD often lead sufferers to feel isolated and misunderstood.

We believe in sharing through creative expression and hope this song will resonate with many of you. AnDy Darling aims to illustrate that many individuals, regardless of appearance, can grapple with feelings of inadequacy and insecurity. Beauty standards that vary across cultures contribute to confusion, suffering and distress, potentially leading to mental health challenges like BDD.

By shedding light on behaviours associated with BDD and providing resources for assistance, AnDy Darling joins us in our mission to improve understanding and promote healing among those struggling with their body image. Together, we aim to create a world where individuals feel empowered to embrace their true selves, free from societal expectations.

Give AnDy Darling’s single “Skinny” a listen!

Wood Carving as a Creative Tool for Healing through BDD

Ben shares his experience of BDD and how woodwork is helping him cope day to day

My name is Ben and I have been suffering with BDD since my late teens and so I’m getting on for nearly 23 years living with the condition. It’s been very much peaks and troughs over the years and I’ve been through various types of treatment including multiple rounds of CBT and various medications. I’ve seen some improvements but it remains something I try to deal with on a daily basis.

During the COVID pandemic, when we were all in the lockdown, I was looking for something to occupy myself with and stumbled across wood carving / whittling on YouTube. I bought myself a set of carving knives and some blocks of Basswood and gave it a go. I quickly found that I really enjoyed it and it became a brilliant way of occupying myself and providing a distraction. I continued with the wood carving beyond COVID and it’s developed over the years into a bit of an obsessive hobby!

I’ve found that it’s been a huge help with me coping with BDD on a daily basis. It provides a great source of distraction and helps me switch off from the relentless thought processes and ruminations that BDD causes. It’s also a great distraction for my hands. My BDD causes endless checking behaviours ( touching / feeling my hair in particular) which I’m not able to do when holding a carving knife and piece of wood!

I wanted to share this passion of mine as it’s genuinely been (and continues to be) a real help in dealing with this all consuming condition.

If you want any further information or just want to reach out I’d be more than happy to speak to you.

Lots of Love, Ben.

bahilton9@hotmail.com

IOCDF – Online BDD Conference

IOCDF are hosting an online BDD Conference on 16th March 2024

The conference offers an opportunity for professionals to learn how to treat individuals with BDD, as well as sessions for individuals, families, and loved ones affected by BDD to educate people and their families about effective treatment.

The full schedule features sessions for a variety of audiences:

  • Individuals with BDD: Those with lived experience with BDD. Programming focuses on recovery options and building motivation for treatment.
  • Family Members and Supporters: Non-professionals who have been affected by BDD in their families or other relations. Programming focuses on communication skills and effective support systems.
  • Clinicians: Professionals who treat BDD. Programming focuses on skills training and enhancing the clinical understanding of the disorder.

Tickets available now – register and find out more here.

Please note, the talks run from 11am – 5pm ET, which is 4pm – 10pm UK time. 

Register for the Conference

Ella Delancey Jones on Body Dysmorphic Disorder

BDD destroyed my confidence and self-esteem – here’s how I got help

In a recent Glamour article, Ella Delancey Jones courageously writes about her battle with BDD, recounting the impact of past bullying on her self-esteem and development of the condition.

“I didn’t let anyone know how it was affecting me. The shame of it made the thought of drawing more attention to myself feel worse than the bullying.”

Much like many individuals with BDD, Ella turned to plastic surgery in an attempt to calm the thoughts and feelings BDD brought. However, sadly this led to further torment and pre-occupation.

“I stayed inside for days, alternating between looking in the mirror obsessively or dissolving into tears when I caught sight of myself in one. How, I thought, could I live when I looked like this?“

After reaching out for help, Ella received a diagnosis and CBT treatment to address her BDD symptoms. She still struggles, but is able to use the tools learnt in therapy, and is committed to continually building her confidence and self-esteem back up.

Read the Full Article

Volunteer Facilitators Needed – Overcoming BDD Programme

We are looking for volunteers to facilitate on our Overcoming BDD 20 Week Programme

About the organisation

The BDD Foundation is the UK’s only charity dedicated exclusively to raising awareness and alleviating the suffering caused by Body Dysmorphic Disorder (BDD). BDD is a serious mental disorder, which causes devastating distress and interferes substantially with the ability to function in life. It affects about 1-2% of the population and causes many unnecessary cosmetic treatments as well as a high rate of suicidality and self-harm.

As a charity we are committed to providing support and services for people with BDD, ensuring that those with lived-experience are central to this provision to encourage hope and recovery through the essence of peer-support.

About the project

The BDD Foundation (BDDF) has successfully delivered 6 iterations of the Overcoming BDD Programme, where self-guided Cognitive Behavioural Therapy for Body Dysmorphic Disorder (CBT-BDD) was delivered in a peer support group context.

Outcomes from the groups – which ran firstly via a face-to-face group and then via an online group – were positive, with participants experiencing both a decrease in scores on the Appearance Anxiety Inventory as well as an improved overall quality of life.

For the next iterations, we are looking at increasing our volunteer base so that we can run multiple online groups at the same time.

About the role

We are looking for 5 volunteers to co-facilitate the online sessions. The time commitment is 2 hours per week, for 20 weeks (April 2024 – September 2024), plus 2 training sessions before the role commences. There will also be an opportunity to meet with an experienced facilitator for a group Q+A session.  

We invite applications from people with lived-experience of BDD, as well as people who have received CBT or trained in the principles of Cognitive Behavioural Therapy, and who have skills in group facilitation or peer-support.

This is a unique and rewarding role, with the opportunity to support and guide individuals through the 20 week group therapy programme.

What do previous Facilitators say?

  • “It’s overall an incredibly rewarding process. In particular it can be heartwarming hearing about individual recovery ‘wins’ that people have as a result of the programme. E.g. Being able to go swimming with son for the first time ever.”
  • “I am confident that I learn as much from attendees as they do from me. Their honesty, insight, openness and support to one another is like nothing else, and I’ve had moments that bring up a lot of emotion because their experience resonates with me so much. I feel genuinely humbled and honoured to be a part of their BDD journey. It’s challenging at times, but so rewarding.”
  • “Hearing so many success stories about changes they had made, hearing so much positivity around them being with other people with the same MH condition as them. Plus from a personal point of view, learning so many ways for me to manage my own BDD, and working with some other amazing facilitators!”

How to apply

Please submit a CV and a personal statement (max 600 words) to gem@bddfoundation.org which highlights the following:

  • Your (direct/indirect) experience with BDD
  • Why you would like to apply for this position
  • Your relevant experience (either as an expert-by-experience, an expert-by-training or both)
  • What relevant skills and qualities you have

Please submit your CV and personal statement to gem@bddfoundation.org by 11.59pm on 10th March 2024.

Please note, this post is open to those based in the UK, age 18+ and is subject to an enhanced DBS check.

Calling all Creatives! BDD Foundation x Tilted East

Design Opportunity: Heart on Your Sleeve

At the BDD Foundation and Tilted East, we have a shared ethos and belief in the power of creativity for healing and connection. We’ve teamed up on the project ‘Heart on Your Sleeve’ to offer an opportunity to showcase your design on a limited edition Tilted East t- shirt (pre-order available from end of March).

How it works

Using the given prompts for inspiration, design your artwork to represent your experience of living with BDD, the journey you’ve endured or personal growth through recovery. This piece is totally unique to you and your individual experience. We want to give voice to your experience through creativity and design.

Prompts

  • Create an image that represents your emotional state during a particularly challenging time with BDD.
  • Design an illustration that shows the internal struggle you have when dealing with BDD.
  • Create a series of abstract patterns that represent the highs and lows of living with BDD.
  • Create a piece of art that represents the journey you took to overcome your BDD.
  • Design an image that represents the sense of relief you feel after seeking professional help for your BDD.
  • Create an abstract interpretation of the physical symptoms you experience living with BDD.
  • Design an image that represents the positive impact self-care practices have on your mental health.
  • Make a mixed media piece that shows the duality of living with a mental health condition, with positive and negative aspects.
  • Create an image of how social media has affected you and your BDD.
  • What does a day in the life look like for you, as someone who has BDD?
  • Have you been diagnosed with a mental health condition that you feel ashamed about? How does that make you feel? What does that look like to you on paper?
  • Is there something really obscure that has an ongoing impact on your mental health? Maybe something that someone has said to you?
  • Is there a particular technique you have learnt that is really helping you with managing your BDD? What is it and how does the technique itself or the feeling you get from it look to you?

Featured design

One chosen design will be featured on a limited edition BDDF x Tilted East t-shirt. As part of this process, the chosen design will go to sale on the Tilted East website with 50% of profits going towards the BDD Foundation. The designer will collaborate with Tilted East from submission, through to manufacturing and printing stage giving the opportunity to learn more about this process. Please note, some minor tweaks may be made to the design so that it’s ready for manufacture.

But it doesn’t end there…this is about sharing stories. Every design, regardless of being on a t-shirt, will be showcased on both BBDF website & Tilted East social media, sharing the full collection of all submissions. Everyone is a valuable contributor and each submission takes us closer to improved understanding of BDD and sharing stories of mental health.

Narrative

Alongside your design submission, please share a few words on the inspiration behind your design, your experience or anything you are doing to help with what you are experiencing. This is to help create a proactive culture towards healing. Your description will feature alongside your design.

Community, not competition

This isn’t so much about winning or losing. We want to celebrate the wonderful creatives amongst the BDD community and collaborate with a like-minded clothing brand, Tilted East. Come together with fellow creatives to showcase the unique experiences of living with BDD through art.

How to enter

  • Please submit your design through this link.
  • Deadline for submissions is 17th March 2024.

Any questions, please don’t hesitate to reach out for a chat on info@bddfoundation.org or shop@tiltedeast.com

SUBMIT YOUR DESIGN

Shame: Stories About Things We Hide

“I have a brain that distorts reality. That tells me things are very wrong when actually they’re not. That tells me my appearance, my face, my skin are very wrong when actually they are not.”

Mike Lambert, writer, comedian and story teller based in California, recently shared his story of BDD, and journey to developing self-acceptance at Story Collider’s live podcast event.

He describes the experience of BDD as ‘hard cold fact, it presents as reality and certainty, the monster you see in the mirror is you’.

As a writer and comedian, he provides such a genuine and relatable exploration of the challenges faced by individuals dealing with BDD in a way that engages even those who don’t suffer with the condition. Mike approaches the telling of his story with humour and authenticity. For those with BDD, his shared experience will be comforting and relatable.

‘I became more and more obsessed with finding the exact right pair of glasses, I was looking for the pair that would make me whole, and healed and fixed’.

Listen to the full podcast

The Body Dysmorphic Disorder Foundation. Charity no. 1153753.