BJDs as therapy...

I definitely feel this way — just being around my kids can help get me out of a bad mood, or just brighten me up some. I remember way back around June last year I had to send my (then-only) boy's head out to have his faceup redone, and I didn't especially notice he was gone or sit around staring at his headless body all day, but I was just moody and irritable and depressed throughout the time he was gone and when he got home, I instantly felt better (especially since his new faceup was even better than I'd hoped for). I think I agree with your counselor's feelings about any kind of artistic medium, especially those revolving around replicating human beings, be they dolls, masks, manequins, or even a simple drawing. It's a way of capturing life in a tangible way that we can shape and mold with our own hands. Of course it's therapeutic!

 

I have a friend who's a therapist and she said that BJDs sounded like a very healthy hobby for adults especially, because you act out all sorts of things between them and you're just playing with dolls. It's like role playing, except instead of little figurines or a video game you have something to pose and modify. I also know of two owners who while they were dating would actually create plot lines for their dolls that followed their relationship, and they hit some realizations through that method. Consequently, after breaking up, when they both sold their dolls off that was painful on both sides as well.

When I feel down I take Leo to work with me and he sits next to the moniter; just having him there scowling at me cheers me up for some reason. Maybe because as long as we can (i.e. are physically well enough or are in a safe enough place) play with dolls things can't be that bad, i.e. there are still reasons to be happy. Sorry if that last bit sounded funny ^^;

And it's been proven over and over that art is one of the best forms of therapy and these dolls are all works of art.

 

My mom is into all sorts of personal devllopment/therapy things, and she says that when you play with the doll, like when you take care a small child, you heal the child you were and that is till in you, so its actually a good exercice

 

Personally, I believe these little guys help a lot with therapy. A few years back something pretty bad happened to me and my friends and that's when I discovered Mistula, that awesome BJD band from the Philippines. Looking at their faces made me want one and seemed to comfort me but I had no idea where to find one. I suffered from depression and very low self esteem back then.

Now I have one of my own and he's really been helping me out a lot. For example, you've had a horrible day at school but when you come home, just looking at their faces comforts you because you know that someone, in a way, cares for you.

As of right now, I believe they can help with people's insecurities. We can't all be like the people in those magazines or wear the same clothes as them but we can turn that desire into reality through these lovely dears.

My doll wasn't just an impulsive buy but he was bought to become a person that I had inside my head, a friend/OC if you say. I don't really have that many friends in real life and what little I do tend to leave me behind sometimes. It's nice to know that he won't be leaving me anytime soon. That I could keep him for as long as I want and he would, in some way, love me back for it. Having him close by really helps because just looking at his cheeky smirk seems to motivate me. I still get depressed sometimes and my self esteem has gotten a little higher but he just seems to help in whatever way he can, by being there when I need him most.

; Sorry if that's a little confusing. I stray off-topic a lot. Come on people. Let's hear your opinions about this topic!

 

I can relate to this so much.....My user title say's it all.....Dollfie Therapy...

All the best,

xen

 

I don't usually slap medical terms on things, but the dolls certainly do cheer me up. That's the main reason why i spend money on them that could otherwise be spent elsewhere.
I'm the sort of person who probably relates to pets, dolls and bears better than most actual people. Although I do have human friends, having dolls around is just like having more friends, to me.
My opinion is that a lot of people are using their dolls as therapy in one way or another. A lot of that comes out pretty clearly in exercises like photostories.

 

Absolutely. As a therapist, I agree that BJDs (and other dolls) can be an extremely healthy outlet and our choice of doll and what we do with them can be very revealing. I think the only potential danger associated with them is that they could become quite addictive (because they're so gorgeous) and spending could get out of control! I'm really struggling to keep control of my purse since I discovered them!
But I must say, the flexibility and versatility of the dolls makes them ideal for therapeutic work, almost like play therapy for grown ups!

 

I can't imagine my life without my boys.
Yes they're a big therapy for my stress, anxiety and depression.
Most of it comes from hectic university assignments.

By looking at them soothes my anxious heart. And to have them by my side all the time, I can feel their companionship that heals my loneliness. It's a wonderful feeling that you have someone waiting for you at home, ready to luv you and to be luved Hehehe! I think it's similar to the feeling of having pets y know Something or someone that's always by your side, and where you can pour your luv into them. You play, hug, and kiss them while you're also taking care of them, it's such a wonderful feeling ^^

And yes although it's hard for me to admit, since I'm usually not a girly person. Hehehe I think my motherly instinct came out bcoz of this BJD hobby ^^ I feel like Cloud and Sky are my kids X3

 

Interesting post...I bought a Barbie when I turned 30. My mother had just died and I think the doll related to the little girl lost syndrome I was feeling...I had loads of dolls as a kid and think I just wanted to regress a little for comfort...that of course led to the BJDs, who I find a great escape from the world. Someone at work once said "It's nice to have something so sweet and pure in such a horrible world." While I don't necessarily agree that the world is horrible, the dolls are so safe, so unchanging and dependable, always beautiful and completely controllable. I wonder if this is what we grown ups find so comforting about them?

 

I also have a severe panic disorder and agoraphobia(I have trouble convincing myself to go outside...mostly for an irrational fear that something terrible is going to happen), as well as depression...and my dolls are a god send.
My dolls gave me a reason to go and get a job(despite how hard it was for me every morning to get in the car and drive), and once I had my first girl...I've finally made friends...which helps alot with the social anxiety aspect and the depression and going out.
When I'm bored I get depressed, but when that happens, I just get my girls out and even if it's just cuddling them, I feel better.

 

Dolls can be great therapy as we can assign all sorts of characters & stories to them & work out our subconcious desires safely. They can be the way we'd like to be or express parts of ourselves that we couldn't in everyday life. Plus their expressive faces can be a pick me up on a bad day.

The only thing that worries me a bit is when people refer to their dolls as their best friends. Dolls really shouldn't be a substitute for another living, breathing person. Even a pet is better for that because at least they are capable of actual, not projected, love & attachment on their own. In the end our dolls aren't capable of more than projections of our own mind.

 

Well when I thought of gettign my boy, I was depressed due to a bad relationship and his character was based around my own pain and hurting.

After James arrived, I fel so much better, to be able to relate things to him without being judged until I did a photostory. He's basically a listener for when my dog, Max, isn't around.

 

I would have to agree, I definitely use my dolls as a sort of stress relief. Actually, that was a pretty big reason why I bought them ^^ My reasoning is, I go to a competitive art school, get slammed with work every day, and generally feel strung out and stressed all the time. I could either freak out and end up in therapy, or I could relax, take it in stride, and look forward to completing everything so I can play with my dolls. It's wonderful to have something you enjoy to come home to, and to share with other people. And writing their story is one of my favorite hobbies. I write it off as screenwriting practice, so I don't feel like I'm wasting my time talking about all the details of the plot ^__^

 

What an interesting topic... and even more interesting replies!

I do think that looking at my guy does make me feel better somehow. Spending time with him also feels relaxing in a way. And I fashioned my guy so that he looks like someone who is very special to me...

In any case, I do think it is great that this hobby actually has healthy benefits!

 

This all sounds very familar. Xan is there to help me, he give me hugs and cheers me up. Since getting him, I very rarely leave him behind if I'm goingto be gone more than a few hours; because seeing him there makes things better.
And notthat it's going to sound less crazy, but his 'voice' has ferqently been the one thaqt has started 'reminding' me of things, and saying things to cheer me up. He's a support group in a box! I can only hope thqat when I get him som doll freinds, thehy'll all be as wonderful as him.

 

My dolls are my some of my greatest joys and frustrations
(I don't recommend stringing a doll for the first time 2 days after a major surgery)

But they really do cheer me up and in a way they keep me from being to depressed or lonely and I have my first tiny on the way so I can keep a bit of joy with me more often

 

You have IBS too? -huggle-
Well I find that if I'm upset, it's lovely to have a snuggle with my doll [: So it helps with that. I also talk to mine all the time which is probably good for me because he's someone to talk to.

 

I have pretty shakey nerves, so it's hard for me to do normal things like talk to new people or drive a car... my nerves just crash on me and I get a bit panic-y. So, sometimes when I go out, I just take along Imari and sit her in the seat next to me. It makes me feel so much more calm and happy. It's sort of like another person is sitting there with me.

Also, I hate being alone. But, my mother has to work from 9-6 everyday and my sister is at school, so I spend almost everyday at home alone until about 4:00pm. I used to get so depressed being home all by myself and I would get paranoid too... like every little noise was someone coming to get me or something. I would pray for 4 to hurry up and get here so my sister would be there with me. But, since I got my first doll, I feel like I'm not alone.
So, I'd definately say that these dolls will help you to relax and enjoy life a bit more... so yes, BJD Therapy makes SO much sense to me.

Hmm... next time someone asks us why we spend so much money on dolls, we can just say, "For my health."

I too am planning a tiny (or at least a MSD-sized kid) soon, so they'll be easier to carry along. Aaand I'll be able to take them more places with me. Just pop them into my bag. ^^