Hello from Scotland

[The Sheep]

Hello SBG.

I have been aware of the forum for a while but have been in denial.

I think my hair first started to bother me around 14-15 years old. At this time I gelled my hair up a lot and would always obsess over hiding my hairline the best I could.

I developed Body Dysmorphic Disorder and had two cases of serious depression before I was 20.

I have a lot of obsessive compulsive habits which is what causes my BDD. I cannot stop myself from checking my appearance from every angle, every distance, under all light conditions and in any reflective surface I find. Many things about my appearance have bothered me which include my pale complexion, nose size, deep wrinkle between my eyes and shiny skin but most of all my hairline.

The reason I was identified as having BDD was not the actual checking of my appearance. It is actually due to the fact that I see a different image every time I look. Sometimes I look at myself and think I look hideous. Sometimes I look at myself and think I look normal. Every time I look I see a distorted image that I cannot fully identify as myself.

When I'm not thinking about my image I am quite a confident person but when I have time to dwell on it I become very withdrawn and get very negative about myself.

I have recently shaved my head to a #1 for the first time in my life. I'm contemplating going completely sly as I see you guys and you all totally rock the bald look. I just fear my baby face will leave me looking a bit like a cancer patient.

Thank you very much for reading my intro and I hope to stick around and get to know you guys.

[nuts]

How about posting a pic.  I am sure you are worrying excessively about your looks - we all have been through that - although your case appears quite extreme.

Why noe shave it off.  You will be amazed at the surge in confidence and then when you look in the mirror/shop window etc you will think what a good looking guy you are and also think 'why didn't I do this sooner'.

An added thought - many of us have found that some facial hair also adds to the good look.

[slymyke]

Welcome, Shaun. 

I'm glad you joined and introduced yourself.  Thanks for sharing your story.  I think just the act of writing it down and hitting the "Post" button to share it with us was a big step... and will go a long way in helping you get through some of the things you are dealing with. 

Most people are unhappy with one or more feature about themselves.  I'm sorry this has been a bigger struggle for you.  Doing something as bold as shaving your head is quite humbling, yet builds more confidence all at the same time. (pretty interesting how that works).  This boost in confidence has the ability to give new perspective to us.  It is, for some, a symbolic way of taking control of their own life. 

[Switchy]

Welcome Shaun !

[Slynito]

Welcome to the forum, Shaun. 

[Beardman]

Welcome to the family mate, I think you should definitely give the sly look a go. If you are worried about your baby face you could always grow a beard of some description.

Keep us posted if you decide to go sly, and post some pics of you doing the deed 

[leighmundo40]

Hey there and welcome!

Good on you for posting your story. I think you would be suprised atthe number of people who have similar feelings about themselves.

Good thing about the site is that you can get support and advice about practicaly anything here.

[OzSly]

Hi Shaun mate,

Welcome to Sly Bald Guys.

Thanks for sharing your story with us.

Stick around, I have found the brotherhood here very supportive.

 

[Andrei]

Welcom to the forum!

[bennett11]

I believe if you do it you will develop more confidence in yourself.  Have the guts to do it.

[Sir Harry]

Welcome aboard and good luck!

[Bilko1]

Hi Shaun - from a fellow Scot.

I think you are very brave to make your first introductory post the way you have. Well done, as you have taken the first step to a more confident you. Like the guys have said already, you will find lots of support & encouragement on this site, whether or not you decide to take the plunge & become a Sly-by-choice guy.

We have all struggled at one point or other about our looks etc & you will find us guys as being very supportive of what you are / have experienced.

I would say also that you should post a current picture of yourself so we can see whom we are communicating with.
You will feel a great adrenaline rush as you get your first head shave (not really sure why that is, but perhaps the medical folks on this site can explain...) - at least I did & felt amazingly confident, too. I would say that you should give it a try as if you have buzzed your head to a #1 then you are only a few steps away from being bald-by-choice. Go for it, mate. All the best.

[The Sheep]

Hi Guys.

Just in from work and thought I would check back. Thank you for all your kind welcomes.
I was actually attempting to upload my current look as my profile picture. It would appear to try and load but then nothing.



Here is a recent picture of me before shaving it to compare against.



@beardman & nuts - I wish I could grow some facial hair but I'm afraid I cannot grow much other than messy looking little patches! lol

@nuts, bennett11 & Bilko1 - I'm definitely considering it. I might have to talk with my parents first though. My mum has already told me she is not keen on my #1. This is someone who knows how I feel about my hair and who pretty much single handedly dragged me through my depression periods. I think she might be concerned I'm becoming too obsessed over my appearance again.

[leighmundo40]

You look absolutely FINE, the look suits you!

[marty22]

welcome to you from Scotland!