Work isn't helping!

Posted September 13th, 2012 by orana

I was so motivated last night to STOP and to HEAL my face - complete with gentle soap, moisturizer, calamine, and neosporin. i only have maybe 5 smallish healing spots and got ready to be at least acceptable at work today. but where I work has these really bright fluorescent lights in the bathroom and it highlighted everything right through my makeup :( I picked and picked and I feel especially awful at work to walk out of the bathroom after a mysterious ten minutes and face all my co-workers. I know they must see the red splotches and it's obvious. and it's not like i don't have stuff to do! I can't afford to just zone out and pick away the workday. i eventually "snap out of it" and realize where i am and rush back out. at home it's getting better because i place all my skin care products near the mirrors in my home to distract myself to them instead of picking - not sure how to tackle this workplace thing... i know it sounds silly but any help i would appreciate! i feel like such a huge freak at work among everyone else who of course has flawless skin :(

On September 16th, 2012 orana said:

Thank you for the support! Last couple days have been an improvement (not 100%) but enough that I'm minimally picking at work - maybe like one spot before I stop myself. Thank you Olive too for posting the chill out resource in another thread -repeating my name in my head helps me keep focus! I'm happy for this upswing but know that this is still a step by step and day by day process.

On September 17th, 2012 olivegreen said:

I also like the concept of creating an action that interferes with picking, like where you make a fist and hold it out in front of you when you have the urge to pick. For me, massaging my hand for a few seconds works wonders. xoxo, orana!

On September 14th, 2012 olivegreen said:

First of all, you may be surprised how few of your co-workers notice your picking time in the bathroom! At least where I work, everyone is wrapped up in their own work (and home problems they bring in to work!!). In any case, remember that it is not important what they think of you. Don't shame yourself into quitting picking!! Find a motivation for picking (mine is to be a healthy mom for my 2 1/2 year old son) and focus on that. In my humble opinion, worrying about what your co-workers think is probably stressing you out, which is probably making you more prone to pick! Just some thoughts for you to ponder. Good luck on your journey!

On September 14th, 2012 sunshinefunk said:

I sometimes pick at work too, but not so often. When I get into the bathroom, I keep my back against the wall, so I can't go in close to the mirror to examine. Then I look myself right in the eyes and say my own name aloud. That sometimes breaks the "trance". Keep looking yourself in the eyes and walk out as soon as you can. When you get back, reward yourself with some scenty hand lotion. That way, when your fingers get close to your face, you'll smell them, and it will remind you to keep off! Good luck. This also works at HOME!

For information on the skin picking disorder (Dermatillomania), symptoms, causes and treatment methods, get the Complete Guide to Skin Picking Disorders.