Demi Moore’s ‘The Substance’ Is So Gross—and So Sexy
My wife and I went to see the movie "The Substance" featuring Demi Moore. Demi portrays a renowned television aerobics instructor who is eventually dismissed by her producer, played by Dennis Quaid. Following a car accident, while she is in the hospital, a nurse gives her a phone number that he suggests she should call.
I don't want to reveal the plot of this movie, but I will say that it is twisted and extravagant. It scored a 91 on Rotten Tomatoes. The film sheds light on the dark aspects of beauty, vanity, sex, and the insatiable desire for fame and power at any cost. It made me reflect on women's self-esteem and their overall mental and spiritual well-being, and how it's intertwined with their perception of beauty, both in their own eyes and in the eyes of others. It prompted thoughts about dysmorphia and its prevalence in the United States and the Western world. The pursuit of perfection is universal, and some will go to great lengths to achieve it, even at the cost of losing their soul. PERFECTION ONLY COMES THROUGH YAHUAH.
Mat 5:48 Be ye therefore perfect, even as your Father which is in heaven is perfect.
Rom 12:2 And be not conformed to this world: but be ye transformed by the renewing of your mind, that ye may prove what is that good, and acceptable, and perfect, will of God.
Phl 3:15 Let us therefore, as many as be perfect, be thus minded: and if in any thing ye be otherwise minded, God shall reveal even this unto you.
Jas 1:4 But let patience have her perfect work, that ye may be perfect and entire, wanting nothing.
Mat 16:26 For what is a man profited, if he shall gain the whole world, and lose his own soul? or what shall a man give in exchange for his soul?
Mar 8:36 For what shall it profit a man, if he shall gain the whole world, and lose his own soul?
PEOPLE WANT UTOPIA, A PERFECT WORLD FOR THEM!! THEY FALL FOR SATAN’S TEMPTATION. WHERE HE OFFER YAHUSHUA THE WORLD AND IT GLORY, IF YAHUSHUA WOULD BOW DOWN AND WORSHIP HIM.
Mat 4:8 Again, the devil taketh him up into an exceeding high mountain, and sheweth him all the kingdoms of the world, and the glory of them;
Mat 4:9 And saith unto him, All these things will I give thee, if thou wilt fall down and worship me.
Let's examine Body Dysmorphic Disorder and its impact on young women, men, and older women.
Body dysmorphic disorder (BDD) is a mental health condition characterized by an obsessive focus on perceived flaws in one's appearance. These perceived flaws may appear minor or even be invisible to others, but for individuals with BDD, they can cause intense embarrassment, anxiety, and shame. The condition can lead to avoiding social interactions and engaging in repetitive behaviors such as mirror-checking, grooming, or seeking constant reassurance from others. This mental health disorder significantly disrupts the individual’s daily life, affecting their work, relationships, and overall functioning.
Individuals with BDD may undergo numerous cosmetic procedures to "fix" their perceived flaws, but these solutions provide only temporary relief. Often, the anxiety returns, leading to further attempts to fix or alter their appearance. The treatment for BDD typically includes a combination of cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) and medication to help manage the obsessive thoughts and behaviors associated with the disorder.
Symptoms
Individuals with body dysmorphic disorder exhibit specific signs and symptoms, which often revolve around a distorted view of their physical appearance. Key symptoms include:
L’IL KIM
Preoccupation with perceived flaws: The individual becomes excessively focused on perceived imperfections that seem minor or are unnoticeable to others.
Strong belief in physical defect: There is a persistent belief that a particular feature makes them appear ugly or deformed.
Negative self-perception: They may feel that others mock or pay undue attention to their appearance.
Compulsive behaviors: Actions like frequently checking the mirror, grooming, or covering the perceived flaw with makeup or clothing become difficult to control.
Perfectionism: Individuals may be highly perfectionistic about their appearance, seeking reassurance from others and constantly comparing themselves to others.
Areas of the body most commonly fixated on include the face (nose, complexion, wrinkles, acne), hair, skin, breasts, muscle tone, and genitalia. For men, muscle dysmorphia—a preoccupation with the belief that their muscles are too small or not well-defined—is a common variant of BDD.
BDD can vary in severity, with some individuals being fully convinced of their perceived flaws, while others may have some insight into the irrational nature of their beliefs. The more convinced an individual is of their flaws, the greater the distress and disruption in their life.
Causes
The exact cause of body dysmorphic disorder is unknown, but research suggests that a combination of genetics, brain chemistry, and environmental factors contribute to its development. Some of these include:
Family history: People with blood relatives who have BDD or related disorders such as obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD) may be more prone to developing the condition.
Negative experiences: Experiences such as childhood teasing, bullying, or emotional neglect can lead to distorted body image perceptions.
Personality traits: Individuals with certain personality traits, like perfectionism, are more susceptible to BDD.
Brain chemistry: Abnormalities in brain function, particularly related to serotonin (a neurotransmitter linked to mood regulation), may play a role in the development of the disorder.
Cultural factors: Societal pressures and expectations of beauty can exacerbate BDD symptoms, particularly in today’s social media-driven culture where physical appearance is often emphasized.
Complications
Untreated body dysmorphic disorder can lead to severe complications, including:
Depression: A common outcome due to chronic dissatisfaction and self-loathing.
Anxiety and social isolation: Avoidance of social situations due to fear of judgment.
Suicidal thoughts and behaviors: Individuals with BDD may experience thoughts of self-harm or suicide.
Obsessive-compulsive behaviors: Often linked with behaviors like excessive grooming or seeking multiple cosmetic surgeries.
Substance misuse: Some individuals may turn to drugs or alcohol as a way to cope with the distress caused by BDD.
Treatment
The primary treatments for BDD include cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) and medication:
Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT): This form of therapy helps individuals recognize distorted thoughts about their appearance and replaces them with more balanced, realistic perspectives. CBT also addresses compulsive behaviors and promotes healthier coping mechanisms.
Medication: Medications like selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) may be prescribed to help regulate serotonin levels in the brain, reducing obsessive thoughts and anxiety.
When to Seek Help
Many individuals with BDD feel too ashamed or embarrassed to seek help. However, early intervention is crucial. If signs of the disorder are evident—such as compulsive behaviors, significant distress related to appearance, or thoughts of self-harm—it's important to consult a healthcare provider or mental health professional.
BDD typically does not resolve on its own and, if left untreated, can lead to more severe mental health issues like depression, anxiety, and suicidal ideation.
Prevention
There is no definitive way to prevent body dysmorphic disorder. However, early identification, especially in adolescents, and timely treatment can help mitigate its impact. Long-term maintenance treatment may reduce the likelihood of relapse, offering individuals a better chance at managing their symptoms over time.
Conclusion
Body dysmorphic disorder is a deeply distressing condition that affects individuals’ perception of their appearance and significantly impacts their quality of life. With proper treatment, including therapy and medication, many people can learn to manage their symptoms and reduce the influence of their distorted body image on their daily lives. Recognizing the disorder early and seeking professional help are essential steps toward recovery.
You said:
WHAT ARE MORE SPECIFICS SYMPTOMS IN FEMALES AND HOW DOES IT COMPARE TO MALES?
ChatGPT said:
ChatGPT
Body dysmorphic disorder (BDD) affects both males and females, but the specific focus of preoccupations, behaviors, and overall experience can vary between the sexes due to different societal pressures, body ideals, and psychological tendencies. Here are some of the more specific symptoms in females compared to males:
Specific Symptoms in Females
Focus on Weight and Body Shape:
Women with BDD often obsess over their weight, body shape, and specific areas like the hips, thighs, stomach, and buttocks. This can sometimes overlap with eating disorders like anorexia or bulimia.
Skin Concerns:
Females may have a higher preoccupation with skin texture (e.g., acne, scars, pores, and complexion).
Some may engage in excessive grooming, including skin-picking (a condition known as excoriation disorder), which can lead to visible damage or scarring over time.
Focus on Breasts and Feminine Features:
Breast size, shape, or symmetry is a common area of fixation. Females may perceive their breasts as too small, too large, or disproportionate.
Genital appearance can also be an area of concern, especially in the context of societal beauty standards or exposure to unrealistic ideals from media.
Cosmetic Procedures and Makeup:
Females with BDD may engage in excessive cosmetic surgeries (e.g., breast augmentation, lip fillers, or rhinoplasty) to “correct” perceived flaws, and many of these procedures often result in temporary satisfaction.
Heavy reliance on makeup, clothing, or hairstyling to camouflage perceived flaws is common. Females may spend significant time applying makeup to conceal blemishes or reshape facial features.
Perfectionism:
A common trait among females with BDD is a tendency toward perfectionism, especially concerning beauty standards. They often strive for what they perceive as a "perfect" or "flawless" appearance, and any minor imperfection becomes a source of significant distress.
Social Comparison:
Females with BDD may frequently compare their appearance to other women, often leading to feelings of inadequacy, jealousy, and social anxiety. This behavior is often exacerbated by social media, which promotes unrealistic beauty ideals.
Specific Symptoms in Males
Muscle Dysmorphia:
One of the most distinctive BDD-related symptoms in men is muscle dysmorphia, where males believe their body is too small, weak, or insufficiently muscular, even if they are of average or above-average muscle mass. This leads to excessive focus on building muscle through rigorous exercise and dieting.
Hair Loss or Thinning:
Males with BDD often fixate on hair loss, balding, or thinning hair. They may seek hair restoration procedures or use products to conceal or slow down hair loss. Hair transplants are also common in men suffering from this concern.
Facial Features:
Males may obsess over the shape of their nose, jawline, chin, or ears. Rhinoplasty (nose surgery) is one of the most common cosmetic procedures sought by men with BDD.
Genital Appearance:
Similar to females, males can become preoccupied with the size and appearance of their genitalia, often believing it to be smaller or less “normal” than it actually is. This concern is usually not grounded in reality but causes significant distress.
Grooming and Cosmetic Procedures:
Males with BDD may also engage in excessive grooming, including facial grooming (e.g., shaving, trimming) to achieve the “ideal” appearance. They might spend hours working on their appearance or using skin products to hide perceived imperfections.
Body hair is another common area of concern, with some males feeling that they have too much or too little body hair, leading to obsessive hair removal practices.
Exercise and Supplement Use:
Males are more likely than females to develop an obsession with physical fitness, often engaging in excessive exercise or using steroids and supplements to try to enhance their muscle size and tone.
Comparison Between Males and Females
Areas of Focus:
Females tend to be more preoccupied with weight, skin, and feminine features (e.g., breasts, hips), while males often focus on muscle mass, hair, and facial structure (e.g., jawline).
Cosmetic Procedures:
While both sexes seek cosmetic interventions, females are more likely to undergo procedures to alter breast size or body shape, while males more frequently pursue muscle enhancement, rhinoplasty, and hair transplants.
Impact of Social Media:
Both men and women with BDD may be negatively influenced by social media and societal beauty standards. However, females are often more influenced by beauty ideals related to slimness, smooth skin, and perfect makeup, while males feel pressure to achieve a muscular, chiseled physique.
Comorbid Disorders:
Females with BDD are more likely to develop eating disorders, while males with BDD are more prone to developing muscle dysmorphia and obsessive exercise routines.
Behavioral Manifestations:
Women may focus more on camouflaging perceived flaws with makeup or clothing, while men may focus on changing their body structure through exercise or surgery.
Conclusion
While both males and females experience body dysmorphic disorder in distressing ways, their specific obsessions and behaviors differ due to societal pressures and gender norms. Females are more likely to focus on weight, skin, and body shape, whereas males are more prone to concerns about musculature, hair loss, and facial structure. Understanding these gender differences is crucial for accurate diagnosis and effective treatment of BDD in both sexes.
K. L. STUBBLEFIELD IS THE AUTHOR OF “AMERICAN REPROBATE: GOD'S CURSE AND RESTORATION OF THE AFRICAN AMERICAN”. THAT WAS PUBLISHED IN 2012
HE AND HIS WIFE SANDRIA CO-FOUNDED “BIGSTUB CREATIONS” IN 2018. We are a vehicle for creativity! Our mission is to encourage individuals to utilize their artistic expression through the performing arts.
He has just published his second book in November 2023.
STAYING HUMAN: EXAMINING THE RELATIONSHIP BETWEEN GOD, MAN AND ARTIFICIAL INTELLIGENCE”.
Biblical, Spiritual, and Social Analysis and Solutions to Black Americans and Mainstream AMERICAN Dysgenics, Narcissistic Self Indulgence, and the Current Politics of Self Annihilation. Amidst the dawning of Artificial General intelligence and Trans-Humanity.
YOU CAN PURCHASE HIS PUBLICATIONS OR LEARN ABOUT OUR NEXT PROJECT, YOU CAN VISIT THE FOLLOWING WEBSITES
https://www.klstubblefield.com/https://www.bigstubcreations.com/
https://loveintheblack.blogspot.com/
https://lovingmyhumans.blogspot.com
https://kelvinstubblefield.substack.com/publish/post/147765776
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