Peace of Mind: Tom Grennan Opens Up About Body Dysmorphia and the Power of Therapy

By: BBC

Peace of Mind: Tom Grennan Opens Up About Body Dysmorphia and the Power of Therapy

In a recent interview, singer Tom Grennan revealed that therapy has helped him confront and manage his struggles with body dysmorphia, a condition where a person fixates on perceived flaws in their appearance. The artist, known for his candidness about his mental health journey, discussed his challenges with Roman Kemp on the BBC podcast, You About?, shedding light on a condition that often goes unrecognized, particularly among men.

The Unhealthy Cycle of Self-Criticism

Grennan admitted that he is his "own biggest critic." He spoke openly about his constant struggle with body dysmorphia, confessing to perpetually feeling larger than he is and engaging in habits like "pinching his belly." This mindset, he explained, fuels an unhealthy relationship with both food and exercise. Grennan revealed that his gym sessions sometimes weren't about fitness but about compensating for what he called "binge eating." This would lead to feelings of intense guilt, where a single biscuit could trigger thoughts of becoming "fat" and "unfit."

Peace of Mind: Tom Grennan Opens Up About Body Dysmorphia and the Power of Therapy

He also shared a powerful anecdote about his private struggles, telling his partner he felt "fat" while looking in the mirror, only to be reassured that he was not. This disconnect between self-perception and reality is a hallmark of the condition. Grennan expressed his fear of regressing to an unhealthy lifestyle and a constant need to "stay at this point."

The Healing Power of Therapy

Grennan revealed he is now in a "good place" with his body image issues, a shift he attributes directly to therapy. He says therapy has helped him to "actually love yourself more," a simple yet profound statement on the healing process. This message of hope is especially important, as the NHS defines body dysmorphia as a mental health condition that is often unnoticeable to others, yet can be profoundly upsetting and life-altering for those who experience it. Symptoms can include compulsive mirror checking or mirror avoidance, excessive comparison to others, and going to great lengths to conceal perceived flaws.

Peace of Mind: Tom Grennan Opens Up About Body Dysmorphia and the Power of Therapy

Grennan’s friend and podcast co-host, Roman Kemp, resonated with this struggle, sharing his own experiences with the intense body image pressures within the entertainment industry. Kemp noted he avoids looking at pictures of himself on the day they are taken because it can "upset me for the rest of the day," a sentiment that speaks to the shared vulnerability many public figures face.

A New Mantra: Peace of Mind

Grennan's journey to a healthier mindset extends beyond his body image. He recently channeled past hardships—from a physical attack to life lessons and heartbreak—into his new album, Everywhere I Went, Led Me to Where I Didn't Want to Be. The singer shared that he had to learn that ambition and success don't matter if they come at the expense of his well-being. Grennan concluded his reflection with a powerful statement, revealing his current mantra: peace of mind.

Peace of Mind: Tom Grennan Opens Up About Body Dysmorphia and the Power of Therapy

He explained that when you have peace of mind, "everything falls into place and you can see your way out of anything." This message serves as a reminder that the path to success isn't always about relentless striving; sometimes, it's about prioritizing internal peace and a compassionate relationship with yourself.