Family Health by Mini First Aid
Welcome to The Family Health podcast with Mini First Aid. Each week, our founder Kate will be talking with a guest leading expert about the family health issues that matter to you.
Everything you ever needed to know about conditions and healthcare topics that affect your family. If you are looking for information, advice, tips and reassurance about family health, you’ll find it all in these super helpful, honest conversations.
Series 4 of the Family Health Podcast by Mini First Aid is sponsored by Things Happen, a trusted broker which offers the best financial advice to help parents and their families make informed decisions, ensuring a secure and tax-efficient future for their children.
The team at Things Happen consists of highly qualified financial experts who can guide you through the different types of life insurance policies to consider as your family expands, taking the stress out of decision-making by finding the best deals. If you already have life insurance Things Happen will carefully review your existing policy to ensure it still meets your family's needs, giving you peace of mind, knowing your family is fully protected.
And finally, if reviewing your life insurance is still on your to-do list, take time to get in touch with an experienced Things Happen financial advisor today.
Family Health by Mini First Aid
Episode 38: Body Dysmorphic Disorder
Body Dysmorphic Disorder (BDD) is often a hidden condition—one that many children and teenagers struggle with in silence. While they may appear outwardly fine, internally, they experience intense distress over perceived flaws in their appearance. What may seem like common self-consciousness can, in reality, be a deeply debilitating mental health disorder. Unfortunately, BDD often goes unrecognised for years, leaving young people feeling isolated and unsupported.
In this episode of the Family Health Podcast by Mini First Aid, host Kate Ball is joined by body image coach Olivia Bowden and counsellor and psychotherapist Jennie Penkel to explore the complexities of BDD.
This discussion covers:
✅ The signs and symptoms of BDD in young people
✅ How parents can differentiate between typical self-consciousness and disordered thinking
✅ The impact of social media, perfectionism, and external pressures on body image
✅ Practical steps for supporting a child with BDD
✅ The pathways to recovery and the importance of professional help
If you are concerned that your child may be excessively preoccupied with their appearance, experiencing distress related to their body image, or withdrawing from social situations, this episode provides valuable guidance on recognising and addressing the issue. There is help available, and recovery is possible.
Olivia Bowden is Founder of Body Image Coach, supporting children with eating disorders and Body Dysmorphic Disorder in schools, click here to find out more about the therapeutic services Body Image Coach offer.
Find Body Image Coach news and resources relating to Body Dysmorphic Disorder here
Olivia’s A-Z online free self help platform Dear Heart Column can be accessed here if you need support with general life difficulties.
Find Olivia’s self-help books here at Front Door Publishing
Jennie Penkul is a psychotherapist and cofounder of The Thorndon Centre, a clinic specialising in the prevention and treatment of body image disorders including BDD.
Connect with Jennie on LinkedIn
Check out the free resources and signposting on Jennie’s website here
Mini First Aid Family First Aid Kit - Platinum Award winning first aid kit, voted a Best Buy in the Loved By Parents Awards 2021, is a comprehensive first aid kit for all the family. Containing 115 essential items, it is ideal for keeping in your car or at home for any first aid emergencies.
Find out more about our multi award winning two hour Baby & Child first aid classes here, delivered in a relaxed and comfortable style to give you the confidence to know what actions to take if faced with a medical emergency.
For press enquiries and to contact Mini First Aid, email info@minifirstaid.co.uk
Series 4 of the Family Health Podcast by Mini First Aid is sponsored by Things Happen, a trusted broker which offers the best financial advice to help parents and their families make informed decisions, ensuring a secure and tax-efficient future