My Thoughts on The Substance (The Movie)

What is Body Dysmorphia and 5 Simple Ways to Improve Body Image

The gory parts of The Substance were the hardest to watch, but the scariest scene for me was not visually gruesome at all.

Demi Moore is getting ready to go meet a male fan for a date. She plays a famous fitness instructor/TV personality. She gets ready - red dress, red lip, the full look. And is about to leave the house, when she catches a glimpse of herself in the doorknob - the reflection is distorted due to the shape of the knob. But that image is the audience’s glimpse into how she sees herself - as distorted, ugly, imperfect, and old.

The Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM-5), which is published by the American Psychiatric Association, defines body dysmorphic disorder (BDD) as a mental health condition where someone becomes intensely preoccupied with perceived flaws in their appearance that might be minor or not noticeable to others.

One does not need to be diagnosed to have symptoms of BDD.

Main characteristics or behaviors of BDD include:

• Obsession with one or more aspects of physical appearance

• Repetitive behaviors — mirror checking, grooming, or seeking reassurance

• Significant distress that impacts daily functioning, social life, or work

• Comparing appearance to others

• Seeking cosmetic procedures repeatedly

• Social withdrawal

• Camouflaging perceived defects with makeup, clothing, or positioning