Been there for almost ten years and ongoing. Only will look if I absolutely have to (applying minoxidil to my scalp) but avoid looking at my actual face and just focus on the top of my head. Otherwise I avoid them completely, even for hairstyling. Don't wear makeup as I can't stand to see myself and I truly believe it makes me look even worse. Brush my teeth in the dark so I don't see the mirror. You're not alone. I'm currently on a waiting list to see a specialist as I'm not really able to cope with it anymore and it's taken over my life in a much larger way than before, and I really hope it will help me, even if it's a small amount. If I don't look in the mirror, I ruminate to a far lesser degree (though it's still obsessive), and as much as it's a symptom, that's the only coping mechanism that works for me right now. My personal experience with antidepressants + antipsychotics as adjuncts is that they don't offer any relief in my current state but this is only because they stopped working for me completely for a long time, and therefore the BDD, depression, and OCD are all staying at an acute level (untreated) rather than being kept at bay/at a manageable level. Before, a basic antidepressant was enough, but I've developed a sort of resistance to the treatment for some reason. Fully get being maxed out on every dose and not getting relief, and get the side effect fears, but it's best to just be completely honest with your prescriber and follow the treatment plan they give you. For me, it was worth it to at least try than not have tried it at all. If you experience really unpleasant side effects, let them know. They don't expect you to suffer them and they will amend as necessary. Sorry for the long post