Lack of support?

Posted June 29th, 2009 by Mrs Pickerton
So... I finally told my husband that my whole scalp is raw from picking, and that I was sad about it. It took a LOT for me to bring this up to him, believe me. A LOT. His reaction was...."Ok, stop picking." Great, thanks. Then, later he said "so what's up with your picking?" I said it took a lot for me to admit it to him and I really have a problem with it. He then said, "Well, I'm sorry you have issues with your scalp." Why did I even say anything?? I don't know what I expected from him, but certainly not what I did get. I don't really know where to go from here. I just found this forum a few days ago... when I casually did a search, wondering if there were possibly people out there like me. Needless to say, what he said really hurt.... and my scalp is now even more raw. Ugh! And I don't even care that it is... I just wish there were more scabs!
‹ Eating the scabs from picking linked to eating disorder? new on the site, what now? ›
On June 29th, 2009 nodoubt257 said:
Hi, I'm Trish and also a picker mostly hands but scalp also. I can relate to your story because I am married too. So I understand the "support" you have. I just don't think spouses get it. My husband has given me the same response too, "Stop picking" Wow, why didn't I think of that?? I really didn't understand what was wrong with me (until last week! when I found this website). I have even seen a neurologist who didn't have a clue-yet he diagnosed my daughter with Tourettes who was just there with me at MY doctor visit, not as his patient! I tried to cover it up for years because I was ashamed and I had no explanation. Finally I had to say something to my husband because I knew he was aware and one time when I was scalp picking he just looked at me and said "Stop it," which made me feel like crap.... So when I finally told him that I couldn't stop and I don't know what's going on, he accepted, I guess, that I wasn't just being annoying. But now if he sees me doing it, he will reach over and put my hands down and say "Stop." He thinks that is his way of helping me with my problem! LOL
For information on the skin picking disorder (Dermatillomania), symptoms, causes and treatment methods, get the Complete Guide to Skin Picking Disorders.