This is self-work, and I'm Dr. Margaret Rutherford.

At self-work, we discuss psychological and emotional issues and what you can do about them,

whether that's learning self-acceptance, taking action, or seeking therapy or treatment.

Eight years ago, I extended the walls of my practice to reach those of you who might already be

knowledgeable about middle health treatment, but also to those of you who might say you'd never

darken the door of a therapist. And yet, you are here. I'll answer your questions while I invite

you to take a few minutes for your

own self-work. Also, self-consciousness is important to address. No one is really noticing

you unless you know them. We're also self-conscious that most people are lost in their own thoughts.

I've even given people the exercise to go to the grocery store and try to get someone to look at you.

It's really hard unless you do something quite out of the ordinary.

Welcome to this week's edition of self-work.

Hating your body or some part of your body is something that many people struggle with.

And sadly, when you do, you typically have very little rational reason to do so.

The anxiety about it can be overwhelming.

And when it reaches clinical proportions, meaning it's causing disruptions or problems in your life,

it's called body dysmorphia, D-Y-S-M-O-R-P-H-I-A,

demorphia, meaning having to do with sadness or in this case actual hatred.

You can have a huge preoccupation with whatever defect your mind is telling you that you have

and can spend lots of time and money and energy to try and fix the problem.

But tragically, the medicine or the surgery or the exercise doesn't fix the irrationality.

And so these kinds of problems can exist for years.

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