Body Dysmorphia - My Story

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From dropping to 6 stone to using food as a form of self harm, I'm talking openly about my experience with body dysmorphia, the stigmas attached to it, and how body confidence has affected my life. It's Mental Health Awareness Week 2019 and body image has been one of the focal topics this year.
Link to my earlier video: • Too Thin?!
#mentalhealthawarenessweek
#bodyimage
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[@JB-eh5qx]

I struggled with severe anxiety and depression for years. I couldn’t go a day without experiencing severe attacks and I ended up in the hospital several times because of them. It’s been over a year since my last anxiety attack. I just wanted to share that because I believe that no matter how deep your hole is there’s a way out.

[@swedwinwin6475]

I love your openness. What you are talking about is so important.

[@janetdevlin]

Thanks lovely! xxx

[@emilyjames3110]

@Janet Devlin I don’t know what to do as I feel fat ( I hate it ) and I’m struggling with being more healthy

[@4by4squared88]

I’m a 73 year old man and I love your singing and you as a person. I learned a lot about you watching this. You have my total respect. Good job.

[@dirthmother]

Thank you for making this video! I've struggled with BDD ever since I can remember but I've only recently learned that it's an actual mental disorder and not just me being weird and privileged Btw, you have the most gorgeous hair!! And I love your smile and energy so much

[@jasperblake5077]

Janet you are an incredibly talented artist, as well as a breathtakingly beautiful woman. Don’t let anyone, including yourself, tell you differently.

[@Wendy_Scotland]

I struggle with PTSD and my own self image. Thank you for speaking out and helping me and others know we are not alone! 💜

[@bonelessbeserkerbergthora1493]

im 60 suffered for years with mental health issues-each day fighting suicidal thoughts-i love your songs and an inspiration to all

[@janetdevlin]

Stay strong! ❤️🙏🏻

[@Surrinaus]

So grateful for your transparency, honesty and sense of humor around mental health. My issue is not body dysmorphia, but have close friends that do. For me it’s complex-PTSD partially from growing up in Belfast I the 60’s and 70’s as a kid without much in the way of parental support. So I do understand a lifetime of self-hatred, depression and dissociation. But finally got help in my fifties and life is possible again! Your voice really matters and I have a dream that one day I can come back to Northern Ireland to find reconciliation with myself.

[@michelletsenti]

I’ve had body dysmorphia since I was 11 (I’m 17 now) and it’s literally the worst. When I was in middle school none of my friends knew what it was so when I would show signs at lunch like asking if I look fat in something they thought I was fishing for compliments and they just avoided me and moved to another table and wouldn’t let me sit with them🥺😭💔

[@charlottewilliams1261]

The best thing to do is talk to them about it, I struggled with this exact same thing. I made sure the people who were in my friend circle were real friends, and once that was the case, they treated me well once I told them

[@pokemonpokemon2185]

You’re a very beautiful blue eyed red haired woman with a gorgeous personality , an amazing singing voice, you’re a bubbly lovely girl, be proud of yourself and love yourself. You deserve the world Janet. Keep up the great work and we’ll always be there for you

[@jamiemitchell3632]

I really go from being quite happy with the way that I look, to absolutely hating it. It's like schizophrenic body disorder. Some days I'll take care of myself and be happy with how I am and other days I'm cutting myself. There's really no inbetween and I really need to fix it.

[@julimorea2510]

Oof same

[@dannybuur6212]

Why would cutting help you

[@linusnemo7270]

I have the same problem ...

[@terrorindu]

@@dannybuur6212 sometimes it gets to a point you can't take it anymore and result to self harm. It's best not to question their actions as its extremely difficult to deal with.

[@A51Rene]

It's awe inspiring how you put your story into words so eloquently. Thank you for sharing, that takes guts and speaks volumes about your strength and your progress on this topic.

[@moranamartinez1119]

I’m 11 and since kindergarten I’ve suffered from a social anxiety disorder and severe body dysmorphia and when I was in literally PRESCHOOL I didn’t know how to talk to other kids or adults and I refused to make friends and I hated my body. I still hate my body and have rlly bad anxiety I’ve started therapy and it’s kinda helping but I still am suffering. It honestly sucks but I have hope one day I will be treated 😔💜

[@trappedinsideafigure8]

Hannah...I will keep you in my prayers. Just remember it's ok to be you. I still struggle here in there but now that I'm older I realize how much time I wasted being unhappy with who I am. We get one life so be good to yourself. Much love. ❤ P.S. second guessing yourself can really steal your joy. Practicing possitive thoughts helped me. You are either your own best friend or worst enemy. Who cares what ppl say. We all have issues. Loving yourself is what's important.

[@graciec4393]

you are so brave and so loved angel, please remember that

[@davebarry8355]

So amazing that you can talk about this, you have no idea how much you are helping others. Thank you for being so awesome, sending much love and kisses 😘😘😘♥♥♥

[@janetdevlin]

Thank you so much Dave! ❤️❤️

[@rebelndirt8830]

Rewind back to when I was a kid (1980's). I watched my dad restore a 56 T-bird, and paint my sister's Mustang and he even found time to fix up his old 68 Chevy truck. This got me into all things with wheels. By my early teens (1990's) I knew what I wanted to do. Buy old cars and truck and fix them up, make them new again and sell them (think Gas Monkey, Richard did EXACTLY what I wanted to do) So I spend every possible electoral class working on cars. My senior year I spend 4 of the 6 hours working on cars. I go to college for Auto Body/ Collision Repair. Doing the body work is the most time consuming and expensive part of the restoration or customization process. The mechanicals I had down pretty good at this point too. I graduate top of my class and a month out of college I am working as an apprentice at a local body shop. For the next 3 years I am a body man, I get pretty good at most of the work, but I always had my eyes on painting. I finally get an opportunity to move to the paint shop and I jumped on it. I was able to paint for 6 months. In that time I improved my painting skills to a journeyman level and found my place in the world. Now you would think all is going well with me, why am I saying all this. Well I started noticing some issues. Shaking hands, literally passing out once I got home, my temper flared for little or no reasons, and a few other issues. I went to my doc about this. He had no clue, off to another specialist... again no clue... finally an occupational health specialist figured out it was an issue with the paints I was spraying. Yes I wore all the respirators and paint suits and stuff but you cant get away from it, the paint smells and chemicals are everywhere. I quit that job and tried something else for a while... no dice. So I tried another body shop and after 3 days I started getting the same issues, only a bit worse. Ok fine I will move over to being a mechanic. I'm pretty good in that department, it should be an easy transition. I had no problem getting a job at a local dealership and a few weeks later we get gasoline spill. Whole shop stinks of gas and by lunch time I was so out of it I couldn't remember the name of the receptionist and her and I had been friends for over 10 years (I mean close friends not just "Hi" in the hallway friends) I was let go because I was a liability. Remember my dreams from the first paragraph?? at this point I had only flipped one car, and I didn't even get that much out of it after expenses. My childhood dreams were falling apart and I fell into a major depression. I fell pretty deep in too. It would eventually cost me my marriage. My breaking point came when I was baby sitting for my sister. I did odd jobs here and there but nothing important, and this was one of those jobs. I was reading a novel from a popular sci-fi TV show where the main characters were telling stories of their past. One of the characters left an organization, to pursue other adventures trying to make his life more meaningful and every time failing. This was what I was doing!! After reading this passage I came to the realization that I needed help. I had a nervous breakdown later that week that ended me up in the hospital, and by the end of it all I was able to seek counseling and get myself back on track. It took years to recover. I choose to not use medications, and that prolly didn't help the time frame, but I didn't want to feel fake good, I wanted to know when I felt better that I was truly better. In the end my depression didn't fully go away until December of 2001. Yes I have a date for it. I was better but not great. We all know what happened in September of that year and I enlisted in the US Navy. Boot camp came in December and I was finally back to making a difference. I served for 5 years active duty (5 of the best years of my life), and still serve today as a civilian working for the DOD. Mental health cannot always be cured, or helped in any one way, it takes time and effort. For any one still reading, I thank you. To Janet, you are beautiful not only in appearance but in personality as well.

[@olenolemattaystavasi1627]

I'm so proud of how open you are about all of this, you have no idea how much it helps other people going through similar things. Thank you. My respect for you just keeps on growing! Go you!

[@darrenbrumley]

Thank you Janet, I needed a good cry today. Your smiling and laughing through the discomfort got to me. We are all perfectly imperfect, loved by others despite our flaws.

[@Dawghome]

You have gone up in my estimation. Your honesty is so full of courage. I'm 61 and even your explanations explained some things to me I'd not realised so thank you, again thank you, anyone who aids my freedom is a friend or a good kind person to me. So I've decided to become a patreon and that will be my first and only one as I'm on benefits so I've to watch my enjoyable ability to shop or spend. You're very worth it. My dismorphia has been accaserbated by being older and feel almost as alienated from the world in general as I did in my puberty! NOT a fun time at all intact it was almost an ongoing almost never ending trauma. There is no money in the lottery that could compensate for my puberty it was awful. So my heart goes out to all the girls and boys having a tough time of their puberty and god bless you and give you the fortitude to get through it.

[@adamphilip1623]

You're looking very Janet today, good Janeting, carry on 😎

[@MadCupcake38]

I feel so grateful for you posting this. I resonate SO much with your teenage experience and I was bullied cause of my gangly weak-body (I was born 3 months premature and had always been very slim and assumed to be 'unhealthily' thin at school) PE was something that gave me lots of anxiety because of being unable to control people seeing my body. I felt so disgusted and unwanted because of my lack of "acceptable" female shape and was teased by other girls in my class for looking weird and had many names like ET, alien, the scream, Pinocchio, ugly, ghost, holocaust survivor. Had a lot of insecurity because of my face shape and just grew to believe I was hideous and not good enough. I developed severe anxiety and subsequently fought through 5 years of shit with anorexia. I still cannot believe people when they compliment me because of the hurtful and sarcastic mockery that I faced from peers at school. It feels truly isolating and so much self hatred grows from those experiences so I just want to give you hugs and let you know that talking about this is important and it's been a comfort knowing someone genuinely understands. It's been a long journey but we can do this

[@chlobo123]

Thank you for sharing this. I’m still struggling myself with accepting my autism and managing it and my anxiety. I’m not in a very good place self image wise and hearing someone I admire talking about how they’ve struggled and worked to overcome a lot of their pain is helping me realise that I can as well and that even though it’s difficult it’s worth it. ❤️

[@GirlNamedNino]

"Life will keep on Life-ing" is right. Wishing you well in all you do, Janet! xo

[@christhesnaildriver]

Thanks Janet. hearing you talk about your problems has helped me understand some of the struggles I have always had with accepting compliments and feeling confident. Love and hugs.

[@curlwhurl8054]

My goodness, it just shows you never know what people are dealing with and how they see themselves. I've always found you breathtakingly beautiful ever since I saw you on X Factor. On top of that you are such a wonderful person who is extremely talented. I can relate to your body issues so much, they are just horrible and so tough to live with at times. Keep being you, lovely. You are a shining star💖

[@tearwordmelody]

Thank you for your honesty! ❤ I was bullied when I was in secondary school and used to struggle with an ED. It was incredibly hard. I still suffer from depression, anxiety and BDD but I'm better than I used to be. Sending you love! Your strength and resilience inspire me to keep trying everyday. You shine from the inside out! ❤

[@Berg126]

Mental health has many faces, I have always struggled with it my self when I don't have anything to do or others to help. But after my sister suffered a brain damage I can see how many mental problems that follows, so hard to see how someone you love change in front of your eyes, they need so much help to manage not living in frustration. She knows her mental strength isn't there anymore, so it hit double, so I just try to bring so much happiness and support I can. Buts it's hard for every one

[@ewscase]

Absolutely love the honesty and frankness, it’s clearly an issue that hits close to home for you and makes you rather emotional. Have a happy happy day 🤗

[@alyseandrews1066]

It is so interesting to hear about your insecurities as a late bloomer. I was early, and had all of the same body image issues! I hated it so much. I'm 32, have a 6 month old, and all of those insecurities are back because BOY OH BOY did my body ever change again! Thanks for sharing your story, it helps to be aware that these aren't bizarre or unique experiences!

[@essyistrying]

As someone who has struggled with body image for many years, in differents waves and bounds, it's always so good to know I'm not alone. Mental health issues do not wash away easily, but having the desire and motivation to want to be better is still a massive achievement to be proud of. I go through days where I love food, then others where I am physically scared of it! Getting therapy and support is difficult to get through, but I know that the goal is always worth it ❤

[@_luciasanchez]

Thank you for being so open, I really appreciate it. Glad you’ve been working on it and feeling better. You go girl! I know you talked about body mostly but I want to tell you that looking at your naturally curly hair helps me accept my own curls.

[@pusteblume1121]

Janet, I really want to thank you for this. About a week ago I've talked with a friend of mine about that and about my expieriences with this. And I tried to help him understand, that it's not always just about wanting to be thin. That there is way more than that. There might be people just wanting to be thin, too. But for most of the people there is more than that. Pain, anxiety ... And that it's not as easy as they think it might be to change and to treat yourself "perfectly" from the next time you wake up. But I didn't know how to do that. I didn't know how to find the right words. Thank you Janet for your video, because I think you've found the right words just by telling your story and sharing your expieriences! All the best for you! ♡

[@taitumblatter3562]

I struggled with anxiety, depression and BDD it all started when I was overweight I was generally disgusted. When I looked in the mirror, I started avoiding people, and I even thought of doing something to myself. Then I started going the gym. And talking to the right people who will listen to my problems. the whole time, when I was struggling at this. every one told me to be a man. I take comfort seeing that there people have gone through what I have gone through and knowing that am not along

[@janetdevlin]

You’re not alone! I’m so proud of you x

[@freshram192]

What I see when watching all of your videos is a person that people can look up to and learn from. You're very open and that's what people should realize is a way of dealing with many types of issues. You're what they call "an idol"

[@JohnStewart73]

I'm sorry to hear how difficult things have been at times for you but you are a strong young woman. Regards my own experiences, I've had depression for the last 25yrs and also anxiety for the last 8-9yrs. The depression was difficult to deal with initially but it is now something that I am able to cope with, unfortunately the anxiety is a bit tougher to deal with. I've thing that had helped me at times had been your music, when I've had a prolonged period of increased anxiety your music helps me lower the level to something more manageable - Thank you for your music.

[@jpizzle419]

I think it's amazing how open and honest you are. Such important topics that most women would never talk about let alone telling their own personal stories. You are an amazing person and relate to so many people. Thank you for everything you do. I've loved your music for some time now but seeing videos like this really shows how beautiful you really are inside and out and how much you truly care. Never stop being you. 💛

[@TheCAPIreland]

Just wanted to say that I've been a fan for a while, but I only came across this video today. Its beautiful how honest you are about the good, and the bad, and tbh, whilst you make amazing music, if I'm ever lucky enough to have kids this will be one of the first things of your I show them. Thank you for being so open and brave, and please don't change. ❤️

[@Emmah1243]

Using food as a form of self harm. Eating to the point of being uncomfortably full. Can relate to that. Depending on if I'm anxious or feeling low, I can revert from binging to starving. Thank you for bringing a light to these important and serious topics!

[@janetdevlin]

I'm sorry to hear lovely! :( X

[@doctorgamecollector7745]

I justed fell in love with your accent... U are such a wonderful person... Keep up your good work with everything.. ❤️

[@sretePtraB]

😥 can't handle seeing the crying.... So happy you're in a better place ❤ This is why I like the song "True Colours" so much, even thinking about the lyrics now and how it's still relevant 33 years after it's release it saddens me, that body shaming and bullying is still a thing.

[@stillsober7370]

I love you! Your energy and vulnerability is something I admire so much! I want to thank you for talking about such serious and overlooked topics. Watching your videos gives me this sense of strength and I want to thank you, again, for that.

[@janetdevlin]

You're so kind! thank you so so much! ❤️🙏🏻

[@scubin9777]

Love it when your hair is like this, the orangy red and fluffy curls suit you so well😍😍

[@niallbell4]

You are an amazing human being and an inspiration to the world so happy to know that such amazing people can be in the same country as me. Keep up the amazing work and keep smiling

[@MsChloeNiccole]

Thank you for this, Janet 💓 I love you and you know how much of this I relate to & I’m just glad someone is being candid about this stuff. You’re amazing and I’m so proud.

[@kieranhutchison4568]

When i see you cry in a video just makes me wanna give you a big hug.

[@DocEddie123498]

Thank you for sharing your story. I have a friend who is your age and struggling with her own image. This video helped me to understand better how the mindset is on that end of your conversation. It helps me to love my friend better. Your comment of how the pain is familiar not comfortable...wow. I personally needed to hear that for something I am dealing with in my own life. Thank you so much Janet!💙💙💙❤❤

[@julianpearce218]

When I was a young man I fed on stress , I loved pushing myself beyond. I could not understand anyone that needed professional therapy. This was ironic because all through my teenage years I had a huge group of friends and we looked out for each other. I was ONE of the big brother guys everyone wanted to pour out there troubles on. Not as it turned out a truly great thing as it led to me being friend zoned by a lot of the girls I really fancied , but hey, I eventually found my wife, my soul mate , so everything turned out fine. Imagine my sense of fear and loathing when, in later life I was unable to cope with the combined stress of illness and death in my home life and more and more pressure in my work life. I spent at least 10 years putting on a brave face, trying to overcome my many (self perceived ) faults. I became obsessively analytical. I would analyse and rationalise everything, which was fine at work (at first) , not so good in my home life. OK cutting a very long story mercifully short, I had a breakdown. Well actually a series of breakdowns. It came to the point that I began seriously considering self harm including suicide. If I had not had such a loving wife and family then I probably would not still be around today. What is point of me revealing all this? I'm getting there I promise. OK, after many therapists, who listened carefully and complemented me on how well I manged to rationalise myself back to health, I was finally referred to one therapist that finally got me to admit how insecure I really was and how little I thought of myself. I don't know why, but I feel this one thing is REALLY important enough to share in case anyone out there feels the same way: I remember one session very clearly, I had gone very silent and thoughtful and my therapist said (something like): "Stop trying to analyse why you feel the way you do, stop trying to make sense of it all. Mental illness does NOT make sense. It is the opposite of rational thinking and that is why it is so destructive. It is the exactly the reason you cannot just 'put on a brave face', 'pull yourself together' and 'get over it'. Recovery is series of small steps , taking control of one thing, feeling good when you achieve something and not beating yourself up if you are struggling. Janet, Thank you for your honesty in all your videos, particularly this one. I believe that you are an inspiration to anyone recovering from any kind of mental illness. You are a performer, a singer, an entertainer and to some extent an actress. Some of your videos do show you putting on a brave face when perhaps your heart is breaking, that is part of your charm. You have the courage to say, I am not going to let this beat me and you have the heart to say, I am not going to let this bring anybody down. You ARE a beacon of hope and you ARE beautiful inside and out (Even early in the morning, without your face on :)

[@The13Lycanthrope]

Thank you for this text.

[@sozturk8]

MIND BLOWINGLY ,HONEST & SINCERE ,with morals to respect.Janet you are a breath of fresh air.Your parents must be brimming with pride,for you to realise your situation & come through the other side 💕 congratulations. Onwards and upwards ....😍

[@terrylynne8208]

Janet I am so glad you are free to tell others about How you feel and felt.No one knows how anyone else sees themselves,but them.God loves you the way you are.🙏🏻

[@itstrue2599]

What I hear is a beautiful voice☆ what I see is an awesome person♡

[@TheTezz100]

You've taken the words from my finger tips (word's from my mouth ) Love Janet so much as a person, and her personality shines so bright xx

[@MrGielie]

Seeing this today is exactly what I needed, thank you for your time on this topic

[@maggiek8616]

Thank you for posting this to continue raising awareness. It takes a little bit of that load off knowing I'm not alone in these struggles daily around hating to see our self image.

[@natefreet2750]

I've loved watching you grow over these years and comparing it to my own growth. Thank you so much for your continued openness. Also, love the string lights, they are the best :P

[@claudiajansch346]

When checking how to spell Dysmorphia this video appeared and I watched it. Thank you that you speak so openly and honest about it. More people should be brave and open up.

[@eveisabella]

Janet, this video has helped in so many ways. Obviously for yourself and others struggling like my self at the moment. You're an incredible person and I hope you have a happy life, don't let this destroy the happy ginger you are.

[@janetdevlin]

you absolute sweetheart, thanks Eve ❤️🙏🏻

[@vanebell1996]

Thank you for sharing and being real, and open ❤ sending love to you!

[@garbuckle3000]

Thank you so much for sharing Janet. Your willingness to open up and share your experiences is one of your best qualities. I admit, I also hate the way I look, and a lifetime of hatred has done nothing to help my weight or mental health. I don't know if I'll ever get that epiphany to make me do something about it. But hearing your story does give me perspective. Thank you

[@northernpumpkin]

Absolutely captivating. You tell your story in such a simple and genuine way that we can all FEEL parts of you in our own lives. Thanks for making mental health struggles feel human.

[@janetdevlin]

Thanks so much for your support my dear! ❤️🙏🏻x

[@michaelhogan9053]

I think as humans we need to accept that our bodies change over life!! 5-10-15-20-25-30-40-50-60-death, we keep changing. I wish you great health, you are a wonderful, beautiful woman.

[@WindSunMoonStars]

You are a wonderful role model for so many reasons. Most importantly you have shown there is life after bad decisions, mistakes, and/or mental health issues. I know you hear how uniquely beautiful you are often but your beauty seems to be far more than skin deep! I knew there was something special about you when I seen your audition the very first tim.

[@mlynn01]

Janet, I don't know if you will ever read this but I hope you do. It is true beauty is in the eye of the beholder. I wish you could see yourself through the eyes of many of us here. Personally, I think you are one of the most stunningly beautify young woman I have ever seen. When you add your wit, your charm, your humor, and all the other things that I know from watching you broadcast, I don't think I know another woman your equal in beauty other than my wife.

[@miaroy8412]

Idk how to comment lmao but seriously listening to you talk describes my whole life/childhood The whole being uncomfortable with your body at such an impossibly young age and being so aware of yourself I really didn’t think anyone could rly understand tbh.. you’re a huge inspiration though like life is weird but you’re slaying it🙏🏻 Stay strong girl~

[@amberdoughty2206]

Thankyou for sharing this - I know how difficult it is. The more people that share their stories, the easier it will become (eventually) for this conversation to keep happening. Everyone has mental health, and when it gets bad it is NOT weakness. We are not alone ☺️ I appreciate you ☺️

[@246GamingOfficial]

Thank you for this video. We have a foreign exchange student that’s going through this right now. Hearing your perspective helps a lot. We’ve tried so many things to help her, but I didn’t realize that it could actually be pushing her further into it.

[@paulcormany5297]

I worked as a Behavioral Health Technician in an acute care eating disorder clinic. It was a very difficult job emotionally but rewarding to make a difference in people's lives when they were at the lowest point of misery and despair. Viewing the comments here drives home the point that little has changed over the years. Some people are oblivious to the problem and have no clue how their words can hurt, seriously hurt the vulnerable. Also, how prevalent eating disorders and body image issues are in our society to this day. A little known fact is that eating disorders have the highest mortality rate of any mental illness, even higher than depression. Many sufferers achieve recovery from their eating disorder only to die from physical complications caused by it. I receive notifications of the passing of past patients every year and it breaks my heart every time. It is difficult when you have held someone in your arms, caught their tears on your chest and had a personal connection, to hear they lost the battle. On a positive note, I know many that are in recovery and are some of my closest friends. We shared their near death experience and that creates a bond that lasts. Thank you for sharing this part of your life story. You have made a difference even if only one person is motivated to seek treatment. If you are reading this comment and are struggling, please reach out to someone and seek treatment. You cannot do this on your own. Janet, I wish you a lifetime of continued recovery. It's worth it!

[@kellyhill4410]

Thank you for sharing some of these things that you've been going through. Depression & anxiety are some of the hardest things to cope with. My arms are stretched out little sister. Here's a hug for you. I sure do like to hear you sing.

[@ashjackson7]

I love that KZbin randomly sent you to me. Your talent is on one level, however, your soul & impact on others is on a whole other level all together. The radiance you express through you fear of exposure is both inspirational and empowering. Sending back lots of love from Down Under. xxx

[@RealHIFIHelp]

Your are a true gem, being so transparent and real. All the luck to you. In my eyes you are perfect.

[@jessicaphillips2026]

Thank you so much for sharing your story with us all Janet! Things like this aren't spoken about any where near as much as they should do! You making this video should hopefully help give more people the courage to speak up and share their own stories ❤️

[@ricknelson3607]

Thanks you so much for sharing your real life. So many people think they are the only one's feeling and thinking this way. But life can be very challenging and the truth is we all have many ghost running around inside of us. We feel that no one else is feeling the way we are feeling. So good for you to allow others to hear your stories.

[@shayshay9764]

it IS ok...and youre doing the right thing talking about it...share it...dont isolate..as you get older you will hopefully see the beautiful person you are as we see you..God Bless Janet!

[@AFASHIONCHANNEL]

I love you, omg you have helped more than you know ❤️

[@alicekerby4569]

This is so great. I remember that post but I just remember being worried and hoping you were okay! So it’s so great to see you in a better place now. You’re such an inspiration. X

[@lexyricketts1197]

I admire your openness and honesty so much, also side note you have hair goals for me, I love curly red hair, I have wavy hair and dye it but yours is so beautiful love it!

[@lorna8211]

That’s the best description of the feeling of ‘being comfortable’ in your own pain. I would suffer from various mental health problems and I wouldn’t want to get better because I would have to face it. I was ‘comfortable’, but in pain, and that lead to self hatred and guilt for not wanting to get better. That would lead to more spiraling and it was just such a horrid cycle. Now I face it head on and while I still have the moments of wanting to just slip back to comfort when the going gets tough, I can now understand that it’s so much better when I’m not ill

[@Mary-uz6yt]

Sending you love I feel for you! Thanks for sharing with others so we can all not feel alone!

[@zoltantoth4188]

Beware what you think, light or dark, because what you think, of you have created it...Janet, you are...you are the best.

[@delphinedelphinedelphine]

Thank you for your openness. I've followed you since your first audition on the x factor (strangely, the season you were on is the only one I have watched in its entirety) and it's wondeful to not only watch you grow up but also to grow up with you--I think we're the same age. These feelings you describe in this video are unfortunately so relatable to so many of us. When I was 22, I was finally facing some of these similar demons and was having a lovely time with friends at a sports event. We went to change in the locker rooms and, all of the sudden, I hated my body so much and started crying. I couldn't face showering in a communal shower. Then, I became so angry that I was filled with self hatred at what was supposed to be a lovely day. There were so many feelings! My friends surrounded me and, later, talked me through what I was going through. One of them asked a question that changed my life :"what would you like to do next?" I physically felt something shift in me as I realized I had control over these thoughts. Later, I realized that the frustration I was feeling over disliking my body was also part of my process (I was so tired of feeling like that but didn't know how to change it). In any case, things are much better now and I'm very grateful for all the support I received but it's crazy how long it took! I hope to keep seeing you succeed and share your ups and downs with us because we appreciate it more than you can know.

[@keharacek]

When I take a look at my past, I can definitely see some problems with my body image. I was obese for the greater part of my life and conforting this fact with more eating didn't help neither. I lost about 40 kg, but I still don't view myself as a normal weight person.. It's very difficult for me to "switch" my mindset. Thanks for talking so openly about these topics - it helps people. I wish you all good things. Keep on rocking!

[@k1_kev]

Well done: for this. Its not easy to tell an individual this kind of information, but to tell the world, shows how far this has improved for yourself.

[@murphtheirishmanmurphy7268]

God bless you girl. This is amazing that you would open up like this. Love u

[@phoebecostella9326]

You're a beautiful breath of fresh air Janet. This resonates with me in so many ways. Sending love from my heart to yours and thank you for sharing such an uncomfortable subject with us... May you be blessed with all which is good in life ❤️💕❤️💕

[@abip8318]

I think I have body dysmorphia, people tell me I'm skinny but all I can see is how fat I am, I'm learning to trust people and trying to keep going. Maybe one day I'll be able to look at a photo of myself and not just critisise my weight but for now I'm just learning to eat. I also am vegan, it's kinda helpful to know exactly what's in what I'm eating, I'm getting there

[@meganlovesmagic91]

So proud of you for telling your story - appreciate you a lot! Look after yourself 💜

[@israelmyhome1]

Thank you for sharing Janet, I know that this is not easy to talk about, but I’m sure you helped some people out there that are going through similar issues. Living in today’s world is not easy! ❤️

[@PaulC394]

You have such a beautiful singing voice Janet. That is the part of you that you are sharing with humanity. Yet I tell you that you are far more than your voice. YOU are the gift beyond this great talent of yours. You are perfect just the way you are, and I would not change a thing.

[@PeteChilds2023]

Very heartfelt and emotional video Janet! But i think lots of people can learn a lot from watching this! Suffering with certain mental health issues is not to be laughed at, and people should be more understanding of what that person is going through! Must have been very hard to talk about your issues, and try to explain to people how it affects you. But i think you put your message over very clear and precise! Stay strong Janet! 💖💖

[@dustinoceallaigh820]

Took what you do, you exercise to help your mental health. So I started walking, because of your videos I stopped and realized the best way to feel better about myself is to get outside and enjoy nature! Thank you for being you!

[@wisequeens]

Seeing your videos I'm realising that x factor was the worse thing for you having people judge and make you into their idea probably caused your anxiety about who you are. Youre so unique, your voice was and is mesmerising. In 2011 I got divorced and so never saw your x factor rise. I only saw your audition on top 10 audition videos, but your voice is what speaks loudest. Don't let anyone ever silence you or make you feel bad about yourself.

[@normanmart7933]

Just come across this Janet after listening to your music and only seeing your face in the videos! My son is and has been going through issues , long story, but it was interesting how you feel about other people making comments , helpful ones that is. But you did not appreciate them which helps me understand a little more. It's really good that people make videos like this and I'm very glad that you are in a better place, please keep up the good work you deserve it.

[@reinhardtvannieuwenhuizen3018]

Just wanna say Thank you for sharing - made me feel like I wasn't alone and that things can change.. I know for myself something like this doesn't ever go away but it CAN get better :)

[@janetdevlin]

I hope you’re okay lovely! 💓💓💓🙏🏻

[@stevenconnolly7832]

Thank you Janet for talking about this I am glad you are in a good place right now I just want to give you a great big hug 😍😍😍

[@TheSeaRoach]

You speak many truths, your personal stuff I think indeed can help others. So good that you talk about this openly I couldnt do that this way for sure. Much love!

[@jazzmc5322]

I'm a former Royal Marines Commando and European martial arts champion. I now get help every week too. My life hasn't been great. I've had to learn and am still learning. Think that I learned, think of life as a bottle of coke. Every bubble is an issue. All small on their own, but together, are massive. We need to learn how to release that bottle cap slowly to release the pressure. Find your release. Undo your cap x

[@AmbieBambie93]

You are so wonderful and honest despite all your struggles and pain. I want to give you a hugggg ! :)

[@airforce1328]

I know this an old video but I wanted to put a reminder that you're one of the most beautiful woman in the world sweetie Never forget that and thanks again for opening up.

[@adamphilip1623]

Love the video, very powerful and I really appreciate the courage you've displayed by being so honest and vulnerable.

[@Leshale1]

It's a good thing that you talk about this. My wife suffered from depression at about the same time you were struggling. Luckely she is doing fine now. Whenever I can I try to talk about it, because I believe more people suffer from it, than you think. So far it helped several people to seek help and to me it gives some purpose to what has happened to us. Because most of the times, the partner is going through tough times as well. So, thanks for sharing, stay strong and keep being the lovely you, who you are :-; !!

[@lilymcalister1825]

Yes, life is life. I watched your whole video. I just would like to say, I am SOOO bloody glad that you are here and that you are doing so much better. Learning to live one's self, not an easy task by any means. But it is "do-able". Keep on keepin' n Janet!! Looking forward to watching your videos and songs on a more regular basis. Love and kindness to you, because you deserve it!!💜💕🌷 LilyMarlaina You are a beautiful soul. xo

[@abi_w02]

So glad you got to where you are now! You are so brave for sharing this🧡🧡

[@alexu176]

I appreciate this video so much. It made me cry. I had AN BU SUD and all those things you referenced and I'm 27 and I'm just finding myself. I'm more at peace with my body than ever and I remember the day that I couldn't live with it. Don't give up