We understand that people with BDD can find life very difficult. The important thing to remember is that BDD is a treatable problem from which you can recover. It is often said that suicide is a permanent solution to a temporary problem. BDD can last for many years, usually because the person with the problem has yet to try the right solution.

The key is to suspend your judgment that nothing can be done to improve your situation and to commit to attacking your BDD – to reducing preoccupation, depression, shame and anxiety. It may take several months to overcome BDD, but it can be done and there most certainly is hope.

BDD can cause high levels of distress and can leave people feeling hopeless. There is very sadly a high suicide rate among people with BDD. Surveys of people with BDD attending a specialist clinic show about 25% have attempted suicide in the past. Another survey suggests that about 0.3% of people with BDD commit suicide each year.

There is always help available.

If you need help for a mental health crisis or emergency, you should get immediate expert advice and assessment.

If you are feeling suicidal and require urgent help in a crisis:

• Contact your GP
• Attend Accident and Emergency at your local hospital
• Samaritans – Call 116 123 if you need someone to talk to (open 24 hours, 365 days a year) or email: jo@samaritans.org for a reply within 24 hours
• Papyrus HOPELineUK (for young people up to the age of 35) – Call 0800 068 41 41 (open 24 hours), text 07786 209697 , email pat@papyrus-uk.org or use their webchat
• Shout Crisis Text Line – Text “SHOUT” to 85258 to start a conversation with a trained Shout Volunteer, or text “YM” if you’re under 19.
• Saneline: Call 08457 67 80 00 (open everyday 6pm-11pm)

Click here more information on where to get urgent help in the UK>

If you have you have taken steps towards ending your life, such as an overdose, please dial 999 immediately.