Fans of Miley Cyrus may be missing her character in the popular American musical comedy series Hannah Montana, but unknown to everyone, the show has given her body image issues which she hasn't totally forgotten about up to this day.
As the latest cover model in Marie Claire's September 2015 issue, 22-year old Cyrus opened up on how her former alter ego Hannah Montana and her long work schedule required in making the show caused her a lot of pressure, which led her to suffer from dysmorphia.
"I was told for so long what a girl is supposed to be from being on that show," said Cyrus. "I was made to look like someone that I wasn't, which probably caused some body dysmorphia because I had been made pretty every day for so long, and then when I wasn't on that show, it was like 'Who the [expletive] am I?"
Body dysmorphia, otherwise known as body dysmorphic disorder, is a common mental disorder that affects around 1 to 2 percent of the population. People who suffer from the disorder tend to think about their flaws, whether real or perceived, several hours each day. This negative thinking is done almost uncontrollably up to the point when they would not believe it when people tell them that they look fine. The disorder, which usually develops among adolescents and teens, may cause an individual to miss work or school. The person also tends to avoid social situations and would usually try to isolate himself, even from friends and family members, out of the fear that people will see his imperfections.
"From the time I was 11, it was, 'You're a pop star! That means you have to be blonde, and you have to have long hair, and you have to put on some glittery tight thing," she said.
Cyrus added that the situation led to her to deal with seasonal affective disorder, anxiety attacks and the embarrassment brought by having her first period while she was filming on set.
"Everything happened to me on that set," added Cyrus.
Cyrus admits that she still thinks about body image and opens up on how she dislikes the way media portrays women.
"When you look at retouched, perfect photos, you feel like [expletive]. It's a total bummer. It's crazy what people have decided we're all supposed to be," she said.
