Living With BDD: Body Dysmorphic Disorder - Softcover

Walker, Lea; Lee, Janet

Softcover

ISBN 10: 0993337201 ISBN 13: 9780993337208

Publisher: Apex Publishing Ltd, 2016

Synopsis

Lea Walker first caught the public eye when she appeared on Channel 4’s Big Brother programme in 2006. Her outgoing personality, surgery enhanced figure and outspoken manner kept audiences glued to their screens but behind the smiles she was hiding a long history of eating disorders, abusive relationships and unhappiness. As well as trying to come to terms with a history of violence, a failed marriage and life as a single parent, Lea has faced a continuous battle with her distorted body image. It is only recently, that she has managed to emerge triumphant from the trauma of the past and find the inner strength to finally lay her demons to rest. Living with BDD is more than a biography. It is a touching and honest account of one woman’s struggle to come to terms with the crushing low self-esteem and dysfunctional body image that have dominated her life. By telling her story, Lea hopes that she may be able to help others to face up to their own personal nightmares. She is living proof that there is no problem so great that it cannot be overcome.

About this title

Review

Lea s story highlights the plight of many BDD sufferers who end up having plastic surgery only to find that the work is needed to be done on the inside. BDD is a psychological disorder dating back over 100 s of years. In her book we see the struggles of someone with low self-esteem and a distorted body image who is trying to cope on their own without effective treatment. --Stuart Chandler, The BDD Foundation (Trustee/Company Secretary)

Living with BDD" is a real page turner; I found myself reading the entire book in one sitting. It has the same captivating elements as the prime-time hit "Big Brother" - we are allowed the guilty pleasure of playing voyeur, obtaining a completely honest, no frills look into the private life of another. The book takes us through an entire range of experiences, from drama, cruelty, pain, and suffering to victory, success and joy. Lea proves herself to be a strong, honest person who is easy to relate to. This is a thoughtful book, which teaches many valuable life lessons. It also does the great service of exposing readers to the internal, often tormenting life of a BDD sufferer. Through this exposure and honesty comes understanding and ultimately a change in public perception of the disorder. --Brit Brimhall, BDD Central (Director)

moving account of someone who suffers from Body Dysmorphic Disorder, or BDD. It is difficult to work out what makes people react so negatively to minor flaws in their own appearance, and, like bulimia anorexia, BDD is a condition that you'd have to experience to truly understand. Nevertheless, Lea Walker comes as close as you can get to achieving the impossible in this moving book. I suspect that it's not just BDD sufferers who will benefit from this, but also the victims and families of other enigmatic illnesses and conditions. --Mike Hallowell, The Shields Gazette

About the Author

Lea Walker was born in Nottingham in 1970. The youngest of four children, brought up in a pit house in a mining community, she learnt at a young age how hard life can be. After being bullied about her size, Lea developed an uneasy relationship with food and her own self image and has battled for many years to overcome the body dysmorphia that has eroded her self confidence. She has subsequently come to terms with the crippling eating disorders and low self esteem that have dominated her life and has famously undergone plastic surgery to enhance her figure and improve her self worth. Having survived an unhappy marriage and several abusive relationships, Lea rose to fame in 2006 when she appeared on Channel 4 s Big Brother and proved to be an endearing and entertaining housemate. Upon leaving the house she made numerous personal appearances and was a guest on a number of chat shows. She is currently enjoying the challenge of her new role as a broadcaster and author; and is full time carer for her mum and son Henri. She lives with her mum, Henri and beloved dogs.

Edition details

• Publisher: Apex Publishing Ltd
• Publication date: 2016
• Language: English
• ISBN 10: 0993337201
• ISBN 13: 9780993337208
• Binding: Paperback
• Number of pages: 184