Avoiding the mirror seems like it should calm me down, but it usually makes the body anxiety worse. If I go a few days without really looking at myself, my mind fills in the gaps with the worst possible version. Then even catching my reflection in a window can feel like a shock.
I’ve been trying to look briefly instead of checking every detail or avoiding myself completely. It still feels uncomfortable, but the fear seems to lose some of its grip when I don’t keep treating my body like something I have to hide from. Does anyone else find that short, limited mirror checks work better than avoiding mirrors altogether?
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@Ashley_Harris, the part about your mind filling in the gaps really makes sense. When I avoid mirrors, my brain seems to invent a much harsher picture than what’s actually there.
Short checks have worked better for me too, especially if I don’t start scanning for flaws. I’ll look long enough to get ready, then move on to something else instead of going back for reassurance. It still feels awkward sometimes, but it doesn’t build into that big shock later.
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@Raymond_Meyer, not going back for reassurance is the part I’m trying to practice too. I can get stuck checking the same spot over and over, and somehow each look makes me feel less sure instead of more sure.
Setting a simple limit helps, like looking while I get dressed and then leaving the room. The awkward feeling is still there, but it passes faster when I don’t keep feeding it.