Genital Dysmorphia, Body Image & Mental Health: Struggle and Healing from Hating My Vagina - Brooke's Story

Brooke shares her struggle with genital dysmorphia, body image, and OCD. Learn how social media, shame, and stigma shape mental health and healing. Genital dysmorphia, body dysmorphic disorder (BDD), and the pressures of social media are affecting young people at alarming rates. In this 7 On Sundays™ episode, hosts Dr. Chez Leeby and Stephanie Boye talk with Brooke, a courageous college student, about her personal struggle with genital dysmorphia, OCD, and the damaging impact of cultural body shaming. Brooke shares how peer comments, toxic beauty standards, and societal stigma led to isolation, anxiety, and depression. She opens up about seeking labiaplasty surgery, battling obsessive thoughts (suicidal ideation), and facing the painful realities of "Snapchat dysmorphia." This conversation explores: The signs and symptoms of genital dysmorphia and BDD How social media filters distort self-image and increase plastic surgery demand The links between body image, mental health, and sexual well-being The "orgasm gap" and the importance of sexual health dialogue Pathways to healing through acceptance, therapy, and self-love This episode is a must-listen for anyone struggling with body image, parents of teens, or those wanting to better understand the harmful effects of unrealistic beauty standards and cultural shaming. RESOURCES Emily Nagoski  "Come As You Are" https://www.instagram.com/the.vulva.gallery/   TIMESTAMPS 00:00 Introduction and Trigger Warning 01:17 Brooke's Story: Struggles with Genital Dysmorphia 07:41 What Triggered All This? 11:48 Cultural Critique: The Pursuit of Perfection 21:45 The History of Shaming Vaginas 24:23 The Orgasm Gap and Female Pleasure 29:30 The Importance of Open Conversations 37:42 The Impact of OCD on Body Image 39:29 Healing Through Relationships and Self-Acceptance 42:23 The Power of Positive Affirmations 43:51 Challenging Genital Shaming 48:08 Therapy and Self-Reflection 54:42 Wrap up: Stop Talking About Others Bodies