Episode 40 Sheila Paul - recovery story

The author, speaker and therapist Scott Granet has lived with BDD for many decades, but he's now learnt to manage the disorder so it's 'no more than a minor nuisance'. He tells us about the childhood roots of his condition, the serious episodes that have marked his life, and how his daughter has changed his perspective on what matters.

Our guest, Rachel Moore, lived with undiagnosed BDD for around 30 years before finally receiving a diagnosis in her late thirties. She talks candidly about childhood bullying, family comments, and how the disorder affected her relationships and confidence. Today, Rachel lives a full and enjoyable life, which includes performing in a band and volunteering with the BDD Foundation.

Our guest, Mia Hill, describes how an obsession with perceived flaws took over her life during the COVID-19 lockdown. Today, Mia works for OCD-UK, serves as an ambassador for the BDD Foundation and openly shares her experiences to help others find hope and recovery.

Sheila Paul reflects on the role cultural expectations and painful childhood experiences played in her developing body dysmorphic disorder. And she describes how sharing her experiences within the African Caribbean community is helping to shine a light on mental health issues.

Sam Milburn, mum to Jack, is a passionate advocate for more awareness and better access to treatment for BDD. In this episode, she shares her hard-won advice for other parents, including how to navigate the system on behalf of your child while also looking after yourself.

Just a couple of years ago, Malise Honey was in a wheelchair after spending three and a half years in hospital being misunderstood, mistreated and wrongly diagnosed. Today she is in recovery, volunteering for the BDD Foundation and even training for the Manchester Marathon. She shares the devastating impact of misdiagnosis and how finally receiving the right support changed everything.

For much of the time Mark Brown lived with BDD, he looked as if he was functioning from the outside. But inside he was living under what he calls "a dome of shame and disgust". Now, after lots of hard work and therapy, he says he's much more present in his life and his old life with BDD feels like a distant memory. 

This episode features Kim Booker, whose body dysmorphic disorder (BDD) first emerged when she was just five years old. Now the mum of a two-and-a-half-year-old, Kim is harnessing what she calls the BDD warrior within to raise awareness of the disorder while continuing with her own recovery. She shares many great insights, particularly around the decision to become a parent and the impact of undergoing repeated cosmetic treatments.

For years, Dan Joseph's life was governed by his BDD and a strict set of rules and rituals designed to camouflage his perceived flaws. Today, he truly believes it doesn't matter how he presents to people. And the next day is no longer to be survived, but to be lived.

In this episode, Gem Ponting shares her experience with BDD, particularly the impact cosmetic surgery can have on the condition. She also highlights the power of self-compassion and forgiveness in the healing process.