My newest approach- and it's helping
Posted October 31st, 2012 by Picking-your-battles
So when I first joined this forum about a week ago, I was at my worst I'd been in a while. I looked down at my legs and wondered what the hell was wrong with me, like I always do. Then something new, after 22 years of picking, clicked in my brain. Perhaps it's age, growing up. I decided that something had to give. My feeble attempts in the past just weren't working.
Here is what I've been doing and of course, everything is different for everyone and what may help me may be stupid for you. But this is a forum and I'm venting!
I mainly pick at night. So, I'm wearing long sleeves in bed. I'm taking a Xanax (low rx, nothing to get me high as a kite) before I get into bed just to ease my mind from racing, and I bought those white finger covers (look latex, they are called finger cods) and I put one on each index finger. That is my main picker, and it's a stiff reminder to not even think about it. I poked little wholes in them to ventilate because if not, you have raisin fingers in the morning. I also started a picking journal to A: vent in privately, B: keep track of my progress and C: remind myself that I can do this. I also joined this forum. I have seen a drastic improvement and yeah I still slip and pick, but I don't look like a red polka dot pattern right now. Just a scarred one.
My new philosophy is: Two steps forward and One step back is Still One step forward. Yes we have good days, and yes we have bad days. But as long as you see an inch of improvement, you're still moving forward. Hope that's a little inspiration for those who need it.
On December 27th, 2012 thebeautifulugly said:
that is such great advice -- that two steps forward and one step back is still one step forward! I am a huge advocate of positive thinking, and that is a viewpoint I have never thought of before! I usually get so upset and distraught when I relapse even JUST A LITTLE, to the point where it completely takes over and I think I have to start all new again. Moving forward, past the minor picking incidents (like pawing over one spot on my face or picking off a few scabs that were about to fall off anyway) is something I've failed to do in the past but trying to work on now. Thanks for the new perspective :) also, I have found that covering my hands at night works also! sometimes I've woken up picking... guess my subconscious is just so used to it by now.. and when I wear gloves there is a barrier between my foggy, half-asleep mind and precious skin. Since you mentioned that you don't wear full gloves because your hands will be pruny in the morning.. might I suggest wearing super lightweight, cotton gloves to bed, and before you put them on coat your hands in your fave lotion. In the morning, they won't be pruny and you'll have a total picking barrier at night! They'll feel so soft and smell good the next day, and that's sort of a good little reminder in itself not to pick! there's even moisturizing gloves specifically designed for nightwear and soft hands :) no pruniness whatsoever! Anyway thank you for helping me see things in a new perspective. I always appreciate positive thinking on this forum :) cause I know we can stop this!
- Login or register to post comments
