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Rose808 , 24 Oct 2014

Collaborative Challenge

Hi everyone. Another user, Raeina , and I had an idea to try and do a group challenge of abstinence from picking, and noting down what happens (feelings/temptations etc). We thought we would try and go 5 days without picking and see the results. Does anyone else want to join?

About me: I have been picking for a few years now, mainly at my face and at ingrown hairs. In the past my skin was pretty much perfect except for problems I'd caused myself by picking. For some reason this year I've had acne for the first time, it seems to be getting better, but it's making it extra hard not to pick. I have had periods in the past where I've managed not to pick - the longest was 3 weeks in February - and now I want to try and abstain again. Last week I did 4 days then failed again. But I'm ready to try again! Who's with me? Rose

10 Answers
Drtigress
November 06, 2014

I know this is way later than 5 days from ur post but I'd like to try with u. If u have already completed, how did it go for u?

Rose808
November 07, 2014

Hi Drtigress & Bonbon! I'm on my 15th day of no picking at my face, so feeling pretty good! However, I have not managed to stop picking at my ingrown hairs elsewhere on my body. In fact I've probably been picking there more since giving up picking at my face..kind of like I've got to take out my frustration somewhere. I am trying really hard to love myself and stop attacking myself-mentally and physically. So, I am prepared to start the challenge again and for me it will mean no picking anywhere on my body. Today can be day 1- are you up for it?

Bonbon
November 07, 2014

In reply to by Rose808

I'm in but I'll have to start tomorrow. Honestly I've pinpoint my picking behind stressors in family and school. Right now, as I type, I'm in a class where I have to take a written and practicum afterwards. So you can imagine where my hands are. It'll all be over today and I'll start the challenge tomorrow

221bi
November 07, 2014

I'm up for the challenge.
My name is Stanisław and I've been picking since my acne started so for about 7-8 years. I overcame onychophagia 3 years ago with a help from a manicurist, overcame picking and biting the skin around my nails, been pulling my hair (trichotillomania) but I've been pull-free for a couple of days, and now I'm ready to overcome my dermatillomania.
I'm gonna try and stop picking for 5 days and I'll update you if I suceed.
Good luck!

221bi
November 07, 2014

Bonbon hang in there, you'll make it.
Rose, it's been less than 6 hours and honestly it's hard. I've got to be conscious of myself all the time and I cought myself with my hands going to my face at least 100 times. I'll make it till the end of the day and then I just have to repeat this tomorrow and the day after tomorrow... Good luck to you!

Rose808
November 07, 2014

Exactly, if we can get through today we can get through tomorrow...and so on! I have the biggest spot on my chin and it's so tempting to just attack it - I just caught myself touching it - but there is no WAY I am going to! It's been 15 days since I picked my face and no way I'm going to give that up .. trust me it feels so good when you get this far! (Though as I said now the real problem is stopping picking elsewhere.. I go into a sort of trance in the bath and always end up picking ..) GOOD LUCK EVERYONE

Rose808
November 07, 2014

Also, forgot to mention, key is to be really really kind to ourselves.. I try and think, ok, if I don't pick today , when I get into bed and turn off the light I will make a real effort to feel really really proud of myself and to love myself. Then when I wake up instead of my hands going straight to my face I will think how proud I am and how happy I didn't pick the day before. Don't you hate it if you've picked the night before and you wake up and remember or look in the mirror and see the damage? :(

221bi
November 07, 2014

I recommend putting some Vaseline or coconut oil or something like that on the place you want to pick - it makes it harder to pick.
And yeah, remember to be proud of yourselves guys.

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