My Support Forums - View Single Post

lynn P. · Sep 16, 2009, 05:26 PM

Hi Lauru,
I'm sorry to hear you feel this way. I know you most likely wouldn't call someone else ugly - so I don't think you should call yourself that - right? There is a psychological condition where people see themselves much different than others do - I think it's 'body dysmorphic disorder' - if I'm wrong then someone please correct me.

I think many self esteem issues relating to how we look can be blamed on the beauty industry, for constantly bombarding us with the 'perfect image' of beauty. Of course there's other factors too. I think it's important to accept yourself for the way you are and don't compare yourself to others - I know that's hard sometimes.

I volunteer over on the Q&A section and I often tell the story of the Iraqi war veteran who got severely burn in a bomb accident. Once he got out of the hospital he started working on a famous soap opera. I'm sure most people would think he's hideous if not even a little scary. But I watched the show and before I knew it, I became oblivious to the fact he had no hair, no ears and very stretched skin. He had the most beautiful smile and eyes but most of all - he had incredible charisma. His inner beauty was shining through. I hope you will learn to love yourself the way you are and make the best of what's good about you.