I realized this aversion to my own reflection was unhealthy and I had no idea how to fix it.

So many quotable lines here.

I also did this as a young person—still do it now sometimes. I avoided looking at myself in the mirror. It wasn’t until I heard someone else say this about another person—and express how sad it was—that I realized how unhealthy it was to have this attitude.

I also found doing self-portraiture very therapeutic! I’m glad this has helped your mental health. In fact I wonder if this is part of art therapy; I wouldn’t be surprised. We need an expert to chime in!