Dysmorphia

Dysmorphia, as related to Body Dysmorphic Disorder, is a psychological disorder in which the patient perceives flaws in their physical appearance. It will cause the patient to obsess over the perception and prevent them from engaging in social activities to hide their embarrassment. Source. From my past studies and research projects, this disorder often coincides with eating disorders.

I am looking at you through my unbroken eyes

You are looking in the same mirror as I am, but you see something else

I see your smile fading as I give you some compliments, you call them lies

You dress in all black and in layers as if your mission is stealth

I can’t help but wonder, though, is it from yourself?

You tell your friends that your body is too round

I tell you that healthy doesn’t look the same for everyone

You sit at the dinner table without eating or making a sound

I ask your friends if you’ve been eating, they tell me what you’ve done

You won’t tell me that you’re fighting a battle that can’t be won.

I beg you to eat a chocolate bar with me

You say you need to go for a jog

I stop you and ask your reflection in the window what you see

You tell me you see a fat slob

I ask you what is bothering you and if you believe

There are wounds we suffer that do not bleed.

We sit and we wait and we don’t talk at all

We can’t admit that this is a problem we can’t solve.

The doctor asks questions and listens diligently,

She takes your answers very seriously.

I am in pain as I hear you talk about the monster you see

I am in pain as I hear how much you hate your body.

You leave the appointment crying and asking for my hand

You are my daughter, and together, through your recovery, we will stand.

#Poetry #dysmorphia #mentalhealth #mentalhealthawarenessmonth #mentalhealthawareness