Adolescence: the period of all metamorphosis. “Some accept it while others fixate and come into conflict with a part of the body to the point of being obsessed by a defect, real or not”, observes Dr Jean Chambry, child psychiatrist at the Foundation Hospital Center. Valley. And is it serious? “Doubting your appearance at this time is normal and it does not necessarily evolve into a real phobia, towards dysmorphophobiaHe continues. It remains to be understood whether it denotes a simple need for reassurance, a narcissistic wound that begins to build oneself, too much dependence on the gaze of others, or a disturbance of perception.
She focuses on a detail
Worries often crystallize around the growing nose as the face lengthens and the teen sees only him. They can also be fixed on the teeth, the ears … The variety of complexes is infinite and the anxiety is not proportional to the reality of the defect. Even if the complaint does not seem founded, one does not minimize and one does not make fun. You have to hear it because the teenager is making a call and needs to be reassured. Highlighting all the other strong points of his face is good for strengthening his self-image and help it zoom out. You can also ask an adult appreciated by those around you to reassure or compliment. The word of a third party always carries.
She thinks she has big thighs
Teenagers find it difficult to leave their child’s body, and to accept their hips, their thighs. Many are also too round overall, and this is the period of their life when they are the most, statistically, without necessarily being overweight. We can first tell them that they are beautiful and that they will melt naturally. But when they make a fixation while they are thin, it is time to ask the attending physician: his words will reintroduce objectivity, curve BMI supporting. Help to then identify the hidden problem: lack of confidence and the quest for perfection? Asking for attention? It is debatable. Many will leave it there, but if they attack a real hard maladjusted diet, the complex can drift into anorexia nervosa. We do not wait to see a psychologist or a psychiatrist.
For her, only one solution: cosmetic surgery!
The figure is revealing: 10% of the interventions would be carried out on young people under 20 years old in Germany (figure of 2008). A law could prohibit the practice on minors across the Rhine … The phenomenon has not yet massively affected France but our young girls obsessively complexed could apply. Stop! Not until the body is truly adult, that is common sense. It must also be said that a stroke of the scalpel involves always a risk, that perfection does not exist and that it is not even desirable. Everything also depends on the defect and the psychological health of the teenager. She feels good about herself, has lots of friends but wants to put an end to her protruding ears? That is. She’s unstable, is she the only one who sees her problem? We differ. But not without offering solutions. Hairdressing, makeup, sport … the alternatives are numerous.
She hides…
The big wick in front of the face: so classic, and not serious. But if she hides behind to the point of no longer looking her interlocutors in the eye, it is more annoying because she is entering into an avoidance strategy. Same fight with the body-hugging clothes. As long as she feels better with it, goes out, dances, no problem. We can just tell her “it’s a shame, you’re pretty, but it’s your style …”, without “pathologizing” her attitude. What if she can no longer show off, play sports at school in a suitable outfit, see her friends? We consult. Her obsession turns to dysmorphophobia (distorted visions of the body) which desocialises her and a psychological assessment is necessary.
The boys too …
We talk a lot about female complexes … because girls talk about it! But boys, more discreet, would also be concerned today, being caught up by the same aesthetic requirements, and the evil would often be deeper, for lack of early treatment. When they complain, we don’t tell them “it’s okay, you’re a boy”. And we open our eyes to those who hide and disappear.
>> To read also:
Sport: the Wii is good for complexed teens
Regain self-esteem through photography
9 out of 10 teens feel good about their bodies
