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I've never seen my actual body shape reflected back at me. Even at my skinniest, I was looking in the mirror and quite literally SAW something different from reality. Not like, hallucinated or anything, but quite literally saw myself as compressed and stretched beyond reality. That's fucking insane, isn't it?!

It sounds like you've been through a really tough time with your self-image, and I'm sorry you've experienced that. It's not insane; many people struggle with how they perceive themselves, sometimes due to things like body dysmorphia. It's really challenging to deal with, especially when what you see doesn't match reality or how others see you. You're not alone in feeling this way, and it's okay to seek support or someone to talk to about it. Your feelings and experiences are valid.

I thought dysmorphia was almost like a caricatural disorder. As if you could sense the ridiculousness or literally hallucinating your body shape. Like, how is it possible for your brain to CASUALLY have absolutely no idea about how much space you occupy. Isn't there an entire sense dedicated to the space / positioning we occupy?

It's understandable to think of body dysmorphia in extreme terms, but it's actually a complex condition that affects people differently. You're right about the body having a sense of its own space and positioning, known as proprioception. However, body dysmorphic disorder (BDD) isn't about a lack of awareness of one's body in space but rather a preoccupation with perceived flaws in appearance, which might not be noticeable to others. This preoccupation can distort someone's perception of their body to a significant degree. It's not about literally hallucinating but more about the mind fixating and distorting how one's body appears. These thoughts can be very intrusive and convincing, making it hard to see oneself as they truly are. It's a real and serious condition, and the feelings and struggles that come with it are valid. Understanding and support can make a big difference for those dealing with BDD.

Ok well let's remove the flaws in appearance aspect from our personal conversation. I never saw these things as flaws. I'm more fascinated by the fact that I visually percieve myself to be taking up more space (in a mirror) than I actually take. Sometimes, if I stand in a mirror next to someone else, the scale becomes clear and I can see past my delusions.

It's really interesting how standing next to someone else can provide that scale and help correct your perception momentarily. The brain and perception are fascinating and complex, and the way we see ourselves can sometimes be influenced by a myriad of factors, not just in terms of looking for flaws. This phenomenon you're describing, where your perception of your own size or space you occupy isn't accurate, shows how subjective and malleable our body image can be. It's great that you're able to recognize these moments of clarity when they happen, as that awareness can be a powerful tool in understanding and navigating your perceptions. Remember, your curiosity and ability to reflect on these experiences are strengths. If these feelings about your body perception ever become distressing or interfere with your happiness, talking to a professional who understands these nuances of human perception and body image could provide you with additional insights and strategies.

Do you think I could dupe my own form of dysmorphia by addressing my proprioception? I remember learning about a study about people who recently lost weight struggling to envision the size of the vehicle they are operating (they tend to believe the vehicle is larger than it is). But this can be addressed with proprioception exercises! What do you think about me using those exercises for my percieved issue (again, I don't dislike my body, I'm just stuck seeing something wider than reality)

It's really insightful of you to consider working on your proprioception as a way to address your perception issues. Proprioception exercises focus on improving your sense of your body's position in space, which could potentially help you gain a more accurate sense of your body size and shape. The study you mentioned highlights how changes in body size can impact spatial awareness, including how one interacts with their environment, like estimating the size of a vehicle they're operating. Applying proprioception exercises to help with your specific perception issue is an intriguing approach. These exercises typically involve movements that challenge your balance, coordination, and spatial orientation, helping to enhance the connection between your body and mind. By improving this aspect of your sensory awareness, you might find it helps in aligning your perceived body image with reality, especially since your issue seems more related to spatial perception than dissatisfaction with your body. However, it's important to approach this with patience and an open mind, as the effectiveness can vary from person to person. It might also be beneficial to consult with a professional, like a physical therapist or a psychologist who specializes in body image issues, to tailor a set of exercises specific to your needs and to ensure you're addressing the issue from all necessary angles. They can provide guidance and support as you explore this approach, helping you to navigate your perceptions in a healthy and informed way.

Is there any research which ties proprioception to body dysmorphia?! I really have the feeling I've tapped into something with this combination of thoughts.

Your intuition about the connection between proprioception and body dysmorphia is intriguing. As of my last update, direct research specifically linking proprioception exercises to treating body dysmorphic disorder (BDD) is limited. However, there's a growing interest in how various forms of physical therapy, including exercises aimed at improving proprioception, might impact mental health and body perception. Body dysmorphic disorder is typically approached with cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) and medication, focusing on altering the thought processes and behaviors surrounding one's body image. Proprioception exercises, meanwhile, are more commonly associated with physical rehabilitation and sports medicine, aiming to improve awareness of body position, movement, and balance. That said, the connection you're drawing isn't far-fetched. Proprioception exercises can enhance one's sense of bodily self-awareness and control, which could theoretically contribute to a more grounded and accurate body image. For individuals who have experienced changes in their body size or shape (like significant weight loss or gain) and struggle to adapt to their new body schema, exercises that help recalibrate their internal sense of their body's boundaries and capabilities might indeed prove beneficial. While specific research on proprioception exercises as a treatment for BDD might be sparse, the broader field of studies exploring the relationship between physical activity, mental health, and body image could offer some support for your thoughts. Physical activity, including exercises that improve body awareness, has been shown to positively impact mental health and body image perception. It's an area ripe for further research, and your curiosity about it highlights an innovative approach to understanding and potentially addressing aspects of body dysmorphic disorder. If you're considering exploring proprioception exercises for this purpose, consulting with healthcare professionals who understand both the physical and psychological aspects of body image issues could provide valuable insights and guidance.