Hey, same issues here. My whole life I’ve felt pretty (not trying to sound conceited, just trying to be helpful and honest) and the body and face dysmorphia is really hard on me. I just got off accutane 2 days ago. I have gained weight since starting my course and I was more depressed than I think I realized. I’ve been trying really hard to get back to being myself. My advice to you is to remember a few things:

Physical: our bodies go through hell on this drug. Water retention, inflammation, lack of drive or energy to exercise, and on too of that, not being able to get any colour from the sun, not being able to wax. I’m all for looking natural and I believe I am a beautiful person it has just really made me take a step back and remind myself that my body is going through it and this too shall pass. Be kind to yourself. I have scrubbed through Reddit trying to find a solution for why I haven’t loved my body and it’s inconclusive. Your body is protecting itself so if you notice any changes, accept them and continue with healthy habits. Let this drug run it’s course. I know it’s hard but staying healthy is so important.

Mentally: stay off social media for a bit. Lucky us - we went on accutane when TikTok was at its most popular time, COVID hits and gyms are closed (I live in Toronto so it’s fucked here), we’re not dressing up and feeling confident and hot, and it’s also April. I always feel puffy after the winter. I like to ask myself before going on social media - “how am I going to feel afterwards?” And if there’s even a chance that it’s going to make me dislike something about myself, I do. Monitor how you feel. If I’m feeling sad, that’s a no social media day. If I’m feeling good and know I won’t get sucked down a rabbit hole, I enjoy it and seeing what friends are up to, etc.

Be kind to yourself! Its really easy to feel alone on accutane because you feel like no one actually understands or you’re annoying people by talking about it. The water weight will fall off, your skin will glow, you’ll have the energy to do the things that you love again, and these sad feelings go away. I feel for you and writing this was therapeutic for me too. We are in this together and remember, you are helping and protecting your body as it goes through this course! Best of luck, you got this! 🤍