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Dr Sugandha Gupta sees one worry again and again in her clinic: young people who look in the mirror and see only flaws. Many of them are bright, hardworking and well-liked. Yet they feel they are never “good enough” to be seen.
A recent video that went viral told the story of a 19-year-old student struggling with exactly this. It sparked a big conversation, so we sat down with our team to share what we see in real life.
Watch: The Story That Started the Conversation
The video discusses body dysmorphic disorder (BDD) and how filters and “perfect looks” on social media can hurt a young person’s mental health. It is worth watching, especially for parents and teenagers.
Please note that the video is from another channel and features a different specialist. Below, we share our own clinical perspective.
What Is Body Dysmorphic Disorder? Dr Sugandha Gupta Explains
BDD is not vanity. It is a mental health condition where a person becomes stuck on a small flaw, or even an imagined one, in their face or body.
Others usually don’t notice the “flaw” at all. But to the person, it feels huge and impossible to ignore.
dr sugandha gupta
“People often say, ‘But you look fine.’ That sentence doesn’t help, because the person genuinely sees something different in the mirror. BDD is about how the brain processes appearance, not about how someone actually looks. It needs understanding, not teasing or reassurance alone.” Dr Sugandha Gupta, Delhi Mind Clinic
How Filters and Social Media Make It Harder
Everyone edits their photos a little. The trouble starts when a filtered face becomes the standard we compare ourselves to.
Teenagers today see thousands of polished faces every week. Slowly, their own real face starts to feel “wrong.”
Not every unhappy day in front of the mirror means BDD. But watch for patterns like these:
Checking the mirror again and again, or avoiding mirrors completely
Spending hours on makeup, grooming or hiding a body part
Asking for constant reassurance about looks
Skipping college, exams, outings or photos because of appearance
Repeatedly wanting cosmetic procedures without feeling satisfied
Becoming withdrawn, irritable, sad or hopeless
If these continue for weeks, it is time to talk to a professional.
5 Powerful Lessons From Dr Sugandha Gupta and Dr Paramjeet Singh
1. Take It Seriously, Early
BDD can quietly grow into depression, anxiety and, in serious cases, thoughts of self-harm. The earlier it is noticed, the easier recovery tends to be.
“Many families wait, hoping it will pass after exams or after the teenage years. Sometimes it does, but often it doesn’t. A single conversation with a psychiatrist can save months of suffering.” Dr Paramjeet Singh, Delhi Mind Clinic
2. Don’t Argue With the Mirror
Telling someone “you’re beautiful, stop worrying” rarely works. Instead, say, “I can see this is really hurting you. Let’s get some help together.”
3. Talk Therapy Really Works
Structured talk therapy, especially cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT), helps people notice and change the thought loops that keep BDD going. It takes patience, usually several months, but many people see real improvement.
4. Reset Your Social Media Habits
Unfollow accounts that make you feel small. Set daily time limits. Remind yourself that most of what you see online is edited.
“I often ask young patients one simple thing: after you scroll for half an hour, do you feel better or worse about yourself? Their honest answer tells us a lot.” Dr Sugandha Gupta, Delhi Mind Clinic
5. Build Self-Worth Beyond Looks
Encourage hobbies, sports, friendships and skills. A person who values what they can do, not just how they look, is better protected.
If You Are in Distress Right Now
If you or someone you know is having thoughts of ending their life, please reach out immediately. Speak to a trusted person, visit the nearest hospital, or call India’s free mental health helpline, Tele-MANAS, at 14416. You can also read more about the condition at the National Institute of Mental Health.
