Have you ever determined what you consider your CORE issue to be, rise_above? I can understand your feelings towards Body Dysmorphic Disorder. For myself, there's a general negativity towards myself that becomes an issue in each of my relationships in life. I believe that my core issue all revolves around deep-seated self-hate.

I have been trying for many years to overcome these negative put-downs..to stop it. To work out more, and do whatever I can to make myself "better". One handy piece of advice my T gives me every now and then is to accept that I hate myself, but challenge my extreme beliefs. I may be horrible, yes, but I am better than some people in this world. I'm not the absolute worst. I can't realistically argue with that.

So, it's helpful if you can come up with counter statements that you really do believe. Otherwise all of the reassurance from others really doesn't mean much at all (to me anyway). Fighting these sad beliefs about myself takes a long time, as I've held them almost all of my life. Take small steps. Challenge the beliefs that are more extreme, as those are easier to point out occasions when it doesn't fit you.

Gentle hugs to you ~ take care!