ICYMI: Actress Alexa Ilacad bravely opened about her body struggles on the Nov. 21 episode of Pinoy Big Brother: Kumunity Season 10—and it has opened the floodgates on the conversation on body dysmorphia
In the episode, Alexa first sought the help of a mental health professional after a challenge triggered extreme emotions from the star.
After consulting with the show’s resident psychologist, Dr. Randy Dellos, Alexa started to gain more clarity about her condition. According to Dr. Dellos, Alexa was diagnosed with major depressive disorder (MDD) caused by body dysmorphic disorder (BDD).
“I see myself differently than how it looks,” Alexa shared. “When I look in the mirror, I feel disgusted… I despise the person I see in the mirror.”
“I’ve been in the [showbiz] industry for more than half of my life since I was a kid. I was never the thin type, my body type was really different from all the other girls.”
“Maybe just having gone through that for so long led to this.”
Upon sharing this with Big Brother, he told Alexa that mental health conditions such as BDD were not a small thing, and she should never minimize how she felt.
What is BDD?
Per The Mayo Clinic, body dysmorphia is when “you can’t stop thinking about one or more perceived defects or flaws in your appearance—a flaw that appears minor or can’t be seen by others.”
If you or someone you know is struggling with their mental health, NCMH’s crisis hotline is 0917-899-USAP (8727); (02) 7-989-USAP or 1553 (landline- toll-free).