Latest news with #BDD
Time of India
5 days ago
- General
- Time of India
Residents of BDD chawls in Worli will get homes before July: Maharashtra minister
MUMBAI : Residents of the BDD chawls in Mumbai's Worli area will receive keys to their new homes before the upcoming month of Shravan (July), Maharashtra minister Ashish Shelar said on Thursday. Shelar, a senior BJP MLA and guardian minister of Mumbai's suburban district, made the announcement while inspecting the progress of the redevelopment towers being constructed under the first phase of the Worli BDD Chawl Redevelopment Project. "The keys to the new homes will be handed over to the residents of BDD chawls before Shravan," said Shelar at a meeting attended by residents, MHADA Mumbai Board CEO Milind Borikar, civic officials and others. In the two-hour interaction, residents said the new buildings must get adequate water, after which Shelar directed MHADA officials to ensure water lines are installed keeping in mind the number of people living in these towers. He also asked officials to make temporary parking arrangements by demolishing two adjoining old buildings, as one of the planned parking towers remains incomplete. MHADA agreed to the suggestion, with Borikar informing that parking spaces will be allotted through a lottery system. "The keys will be handed over before Shravan. Piped gas and other basic amenities will also be made available before possession," Borikar added.
Scottish Sun
24-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Scottish Sun
I kissed my fiance goodbye after a wedding rehearsal – two days later cops showed up and my world fell apart
AS my fiancé's coffin was carried from the church, the song By Your Side by Sade played. Jon and I had actually chosen it for our wedding day, but instead I was hearing it at his funeral - the week before we were due to become husband and wife. 4 Michelle Jackson's fiancé Jon died just three weeks before their wedding 4 Jon had suffered from body dysmorphic disorder (BDD) since he was young With just three weeks to go before our special day, Jon had died aged 42, and I wasn't sure how to carry on without him. I
The Sun
24-05-2025
- Entertainment
- The Sun
I kissed my fiance goodbye after a wedding rehearsal – two days later cops showed up and my world fell apart
AS my fiancé's coffin was carried from the church, the song By Your Side by Sade played. Jon and I had actually chosen it for our wedding day, but instead I was hearing it at his funeral - the week before we were due to become husband and wife. 4 4 With just three weeks to go before our special day, Jon had died aged 42, and I wasn't sure how to carry on without him. I fell for him instantly when we met in March 2021. Kind, caring and handsome, he made me feel safe and loved. Life hadn't been easy for Jon, who worked as an electrician. He'd suffered from body dysmorphic disorder (BDD) since he was a young man, which had taken its toll on his mental health. But by the time I met him, he was receiving professional help and was open with me about the struggles he'd had in the past. We got engaged seven months after meeting. It was quick, but we knew we were meant to be together, so why wait? We began planning our wedding straight away, deciding to keep it small and intimate – a church ceremony in March 2022, followed by a meal in a restaurant with close family and friends. I have Asian heritage, so I chose a white and gold sari as my wedding gown, as well as ordering a veil and booking a hotel for our first night as a married couple. I was widowed at 26 when I was 17 weeks pregnant - I thought my husband had just gone to work early, the truth devastated me The last time I saw Jon was February 3, 2022. We'd attended a wedding preparation class that day, and he wasn't himself. I felt concerned, but wondered if his BDD was making him feel a bit overwhelmed as the big day drew closer, with the attention it would bring. After the class, he came back to my house – we planned to move in together once we were married – and left soon after, still quiet and pensive. He told me he was going to Norfolk the following day to visit a friend, and would see me the day after that. It never crossed my mind, as I kissed him and waved him off, that I'd never see him alive again. Two days later, when he didn't show up, I began to worry as he was always punctual. After a few hours, when I couldn't get through to him on his mobile, I went to his sister's and she contacted Jon's friend in Norfolk, only to discover he hadn't turned up the previous day. Soon after, two police officers arrived at the door, and gently told me and Jon's sister that he'd been found dead in a London hotel room, due to an overdose. I was so shocked, I felt numb – it was impossible to take in the news that he was gone. 4 In the days that followed, planning a funeral while cancelling a wedding was like a nightmare I couldn't wake up from. Jon's family and my bridesmaids all helped, but I felt my heart would break with the pain. My wedding sari was with a dressmaker for alterations at the time – I left it there and have never collected it. Jon was buried in late February 2022, a week before our wedding day. The months after his death were the darkest of my life. I suffered from PTSD and depression, and I considered ending my life as my grief was so overwhelming. I quit my job at the charity I worked for, because I couldn't imagine going back to the 'old me'. In late 2022, I began to train as a dog groomer and opened my own business, Love Hounds Bedford. I love my work, and it brings me joy and calm. I also discovered the charity Widowed And Young (WAY), and the solidarity, friendship and understanding from the other members who understood exactly how I was feeling, became so important to me. It's been three years since Jon died, and I think of him every day. I will miss him forever, but I also know he'd be proud I rebuilt my life, finding hope again. Jon never became my husband, but I will always carry him in my heart. EVERY 90 minutes in the UK a life is lost to suicide. It doesn't discriminate, touching the lives of people in every corner of society - from the homeless and unemployed to builders and doctors, reality stars and footballers. It's the biggest killer of people under the age of 35, more deadly than cancer and car crashes. Yet it's rarely spoken of, a taboo that threatens to continue its deadly rampage unless we all stop and take notice, now. That is why The Sun launched the You're Not Alone campaign. The aim is that by sharing practical advice, raising awareness and breaking down the barriers people face when talking about their mental health, we can all do our bit to help save lives. Let's all vow to ask for help when we need it, and listen out for others... You're Not Alone. If you, or anyone you know, needs help dealing with mental health problems, the following organisations provide support: 4
Barnama
16-05-2025
- Health
- Barnama
Teen's Confidence At Risk From Selfie Dysmorphia
I rarely compare myself to others, but when my selfies get 'likes' and compliments, I feel really happy. But if someone says I don't look pretty, I feel really down." This candid confession from Nadia (not her real name), a 15-year-old, underscores the growing impact of selfies on teenagers' self-esteem, particularly through social media. What troubles Nadia most is her preference to present herself authentically—without filters—unlike many others who enhance their appearance for online validation. '…so when someone criticises my photo for not looking good, I get even more stressed,' she told Bernama, adding that such remarks intensify her desire to look 'perfect.' Nadia's situation is far from isolated. Experts say social media is increasingly shaping society's standards of beauty and success, despite the understanding that much of what is posted is neither real nor realistic. They warn that cases like Nadia's may lead to selfie dysmorphia—a condition in which individuals develop distorted perceptions of their appearance due to an obsession with posting selfies online. A WORRYING PHENOMENON Psychologist Dr Abdul Rahman Ahmad Badayai explains that selfie dysmorphia arises when individuals frequently compare their appearance to the 'ideal' images seen on social media. "These images are often unrealistic due to editing, which can leave teenagers feeling dissatisfied with their natural appearance," he told Bernama. Dr Abdul Rahman, a Senior Lecturer in Developmental Psychology at the Research Centre for Psychology and Human Well-Being, Faculty of Social Sciences and Humanities, Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia, added that the intense need for attention and validation through 'likes' can create overwhelming social pressure for teens. "Social reactions such as 'likes' and positive comments significantly affect teens' self-esteem. They feel valued when they receive attention, but may feel inferior when they don't get the validation they seek," he explained. Over time, selfie dysmorphia can develop into more severe mental health issues such as Body Dysmorphic Disorder (BDD) — a psychological condition where individuals obsess over perceived physical flaws that are often minor or imagined. A study published in the Journal of Adolescent Health in 2022 revealed that nearly 20 per cent of teens active on social media showed early signs of BDD, with most linking dissatisfaction with their appearance to frequent photo-taking and editing. Commenting on the findings, Dr Abdul Rahman noted that the constant pressure to conform to unrealistic beauty standards—particularly those set by social media—poses a serious threat to adolescent emotional well-being. "This can lead to depression, heightened anxiety, and a sense of isolation. When teens are unable to achieve the ideal image they aspire to, it can trigger significant psychological distress that may require professional intervention," he said. He also warned that teens trapped in the cycle of selfie dysmorphia may be at risk of developing eating disorders, low self-esteem, and deterioration in social and academic functioning. In extreme cases, an obsession with appearance may even lead some to undergo cosmetic procedures at a young age. A recent study by the American Academy of Facial Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery (AAFPRS) found that over 50 per cent of patients undergoing cosmetic procedures cited social media influence as the primary motivation behind their decision. THE ROLE OF SOCIAL MEDIA ALGORITHMS Echoing these concerns, Associate Professor Dr Shuhaida Md Noor from the School of Communication, Universiti Sains Malaysia, said social media algorithms play a significant role in deepening individuals' obsession with self-image. "These algorithms curate content based on user interests, creating a social bubble that reinforces specific perspectives and lifestyles. "For instance, if a teenager is interested in beauty, they will be repeatedly shown similar content, which heightens the pressure to meet unrealistic beauty standards,' she explained. Dr Shuhaida warned that this phenomenon traps teens in a continuous content loop, triggering social comparison as they measure themselves against carefully curated images of idealised figures. She also linked the issue to consumerist culture, where individuals spend excessively on beauty and fashion products in the hope of enhancing their appearance and gaining approval on social media. "With constant exposure to such content, it's not surprising that some teens may develop BDD, especially when cosmetic or fashion efforts fail to deliver the 'perfect' results they seek," she added. IMPROVING EDUCATION AND MEDIA SYSTEMS To address the growing concern of selfie dysmorphia, Dr Abdul Rahman stressed the importance of strengthening support systems both at school and at home. He urged parents and teachers to be more attuned to behavioural changes in teenagers. He recommended proactive steps such as media literacy education to equip children with the skills to navigate digital platforms wisely, alongside limiting screen time. "Teach them about the influence of social media. With open communication and education in schools, we can help teens identify the negative effects of social media before they escalate into serious problems," he said. In managing selfie dysmorphia, support from mental health professionals—including counsellors, psychologists, and psychiatrists—is vital, particularly when teens begin to show signs of emotional distress related to body image. "Teens need access to therapy and counselling when facing such pressure. In addition to individual treatment, peer support groups are also essential. They must understand that they are not alone in dealing with this challenge," he added. Dr Abdul Rahman emphasised that selfie dysmorphia is not merely a personal issue, but a broader social challenge that demands a collective and multi-layered response. "We must approach this issue from all angles—starting with the home, extending to schools, communities, media, and technology. Only by working together can we create a healthier environment for adolescents," he explained. He also called on the media to play a more responsible role in reshaping beauty standards, which are often misrepresented. "Media outlets should stop promoting unrealistic images and instead provide more space for natural and positive representations," he said. IS THERE A POSITIVE SIDE? Dr Shuhaida concurred with the concerns raised but noted that selfie culture isn't entirely negative—provided it is approached mindfully. She emphasised the need for critical media literacy, where teens are educated to understand how algorithms operate and how to manage the content they consume. "Media literacy is essential so teenagers can distinguish between healthy and unhelpful content," she said. She also highlighted the importance of guiding teens toward positive use of social media, such as for educational purposes or skill development, which can foster self-confidence independent of external validation. "In fact, selfie culture can bring positive outcomes if practised healthily. Through selfies, teens can explore and build their identity—without being confined by societal beauty standards," she explained. "Selfies offer a platform for self-expression, and this can be part of a valuable learning process—as long as teens avoid becoming consumed by external influences," she added. Dr Shuhaida stressed that parents play a vital role in helping teens accept themselves and focus on their strengths. "With the support of parents, schools, and media literacy education, teenagers can develop a strong and healthy sense of self—free from social pressures," she said.
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Business Standard
13-05-2025
- Health
- Business Standard
Karan Johar reveals he lives with body dysmorphia disorder: What it means
When someone as successful and celebrated as Karan Johar opens up about his struggles with mental health, it reminds us that mental illness can affect anyone, regardless of fame or success. In a recent podcast with YouTuber Raj Shamani, the 52-year-old filmmaker spoke candidly about battling body dysmorphia—a condition he says continues to impact him. 'I go through that even now,' he said, explaining how he still finds it difficult to look at himself in the mirror. What is body dysmorphic disorder (BDD)? According to the Cleveland Clinic, body dysmorphic disorder is a mental health condition in which a person becomes obsessively focused on perceived flaws in their appearance—flaws that are often invisible to others. People with BDD may engage in repetitive behaviours like checking mirrors, seeking reassurance, or avoiding social situations altogether. Emotional toll: What BDD feels like BDD can deeply affect emotional health and daily life. Those affected may feel: Ashamed or disgusted with their appearance Anxious and socially withdrawn Unworthy of love or approval Constantly preoccupied with how they look Karan Johar's confession—'I can't even look at myself in the mirror'—reflects the distress experienced by many living with BDD. How common is BDD, and why is it overlooked? A 2024 study in the Annals of Indian Psychiatry estimates that BDD affects around 2.4% of the global population, with nearly 1 million cases diagnosed each year in India. Yet the condition remains underdiagnosed due to stigma and lack of awareness. Does social media worsen body dysmorphia? Yes. Platforms that prioritise appearance and visual perfection often fuel unhealthy comparisons and unrealistic expectations. Psychiatrist Dr Tonmoy Sharma, CEO of Merlin Health, said excessive social media use—especially among teenagers—has been associated with poor body image and increased dissatisfaction. What causes body dysmorphic disorder? Genetics: A family history of anxiety or obsessive-compulsive traits Neurological factors: Imbalances in brain chemicals like serotonin Environmental triggers: Childhood bullying, trauma, or abuse Cultural and media pressures: Unrealistic beauty standards in popular culture Symptoms: Could you or someone you know have BDD? The Cleveland Clinic lists the following as signs: Excessive concern with minor or imagined flaws Avoiding mirrors or becoming obsessed with them Skipping social events due to appearance anxiety Seeking repeated cosmetic procedures Persistent need for validation about looks How is BDD diagnosed? There are no specific lab tests for BDD. Mental health professionals use interviews and questionnaires to evaluate symptoms and determine diagnosis. The goal is to understand the patient's thought patterns, behaviours, and emotional distress. Is Karan Johar using weight-loss injections? The director has denied using medications like Ozempic or Mounjaro. 'People don't know my truth,' he said, adding that he manages his thyroid condition through lifestyle changes and discipline. Why Karan Johar's admission matters Karan Johar's openness about living with body dysmorphia helps destigmatise a disorder that often hides behind silence and shame. BDD isn't about vanity—it's about the distress caused by distorted self-image. If you're struggling with body image issues, professional help is available—and healing is possible.
