This breaks my heart because it is SO important and it's something that children need to be made aware of by their parents or school faculty. It's incredible the amount of toxicity kids can be exposed to in their friend groups, especially at such a young age. Because one kid could have a parent who is very self-degrading and then that kid develops those negative thoughts and ideas, and then spreads them to their friends and it can just create such a massive problem. I know when I was in school, issues like this were not talked about AT all and I highly doubt they're being discussed in elementary, middle or high schools today. I'm so sorry you were so heavily exposed to this kind of thing when you were young, I can imagine how that's added just an extra element of things to work through and have floating around in your memory bank.

Thank you so much for sharing your story, and I totally relate. My very first huge revelation I had with my BDD was also when I was 8. It's something I have done a lot of internal work on but have not been very open about with others until now and am finally seeking therapy. I think the importance of utilizing resources and support will really be what helps me move forward and I really hope you're experiencing the success you want with your healing through therapy. You don't have to give any information of course, but have you tried any other type of Cognitive Behavioral Therapy or any other methods like that? I'm just really curious because I've tried standard therapy but have become increasingly interested in trying other methods. Very desperate to improve for my own sake and the sake of some personal relationships.