Picking survey

Posted June 30th, 2009 by serenitynow
Hi Everyone, I am interested in other peoples' perspectives on their picking, and think we can learn a lot from each other! If you are interested and have a moment, let us know your thoughts on picking and tack on more questions if you like! Thanks, Katie (too bad the formatting on this site isn't better for this!) 1. Do you want to stop picking completely or just minimize the amount you pick? 2. Do you think it is possible to stop? 3. How do you "justify" your picking? How is it helping you? 4. What, if anything, helps you stop picking when you are in a "session"?
‹ Allthis time i thought i was alone Understand what stresses you ›
On July 19th, 2009 BrayJay said:
1. Do you want to stop picking completely or just minimize the amount you pick? Want to stop completely loose the desire and never do it again. 2. Do you think it is possible to stop? I think so but Im not 100% convinced. 3. How do you "justify" your picking? People will stare at my lips more if there is big chunks of skin hanging off then they would when they are alway dry, peeling, scabbing. I cant stand the feeling of loose and/or dead skin. Cant wear lipstick if there are skin pieces. Another justification is that Im not really hurting anything. Another justification is that it is dead skin and needs to come off anyway How is it helping you? I dont know other than I absolutely love to pick my lips, ESPECIALLY when it doesnt hurt or leave a mark - that is the best feeling ever (and uts smooth). 4. What, if anything, helps you stop picking when you are in a "session"? I am not that far yet, starting therapy next week! :)
On July 19th, 2009 whskygrl107 said:
1.) Yes, Stop completely 2.) Yes, with multiple ways of looking at the problem, and if My insecurities and lack of self-confidence are finally delt with 3.) Everyone I know has popped a pimple in the mirror 4.) Knowing that if I want it to go away I have to walk away from the mirror.
On July 1st, 2009 wiltedfame said:
1. Do you want to stop picking completely or just minimize the amount you pick? Stop completely. I have gorgeous skin when I don't pick. 2. Do you think it is possible to stop? Yes, but I don't think I'll ever completely eliminate that compulsion, just control it. 3. How do you "justify" your picking? How is it helping you? It usually starts with one big zit that I want to get rid of, then I notice a couple more tiny ones, then I zone out and can pick for hours at a time. 4. What, if anything, helps you stop picking when you are in a "session"? Nothing. I keep going until there is nothing left to pick at on my face. It's then that I realize how horrible I look.
On July 1st, 2009 SweetDeeDee said:
I think this is a good idea to use the picing survey.. 1. I can really stop but some days just go back to minimize for a quite bit...2. I think it possible to stop but the thing is very hard to quit picking for a while but at least, I try...3. I can justify that my picking has been clear for a two months to say the least & how it helping me is keep my hands busy at times....4. if anything will stop me from picking is my nervous habit during my "sessions" and someone will tell me to calm me down or after my sessions.
On July 1st, 2009 serenitynow said:
Thought I should answer my own survey... : ) 1. I would LOVE To just stop, but I think minimizing it is more realistic. I would want to pick a bit just for clearing up blemishes (am I in denial, I wonder??) 2. Yes, I have to believe it is possible to stop. 3. I can justify in many ways-- I'm "helping" a hair get out of my skin, I "need" to do this; just this one... in the past picking has relaxed me. Since then it's become so habituated it just happens. At this point, it forces me to slow down and stop being busy and anxious, yet causes me MUCH anxiety afterwards for days. 4. If the phone rings or someone makes a noise in the house it will interrupt my picking. I used to think a higher power was sending me a message to stop through my cat or a solicitor calling or a Jehova's Witness knocking at the door. LOL! Sometimes I don't get into the trance and can pick somewhat consciously; then my own thoughts can help me stop a bit earlier. It can really feel so out of my control, tho.
On July 1st, 2009 todayistoday said:
1. I want to stop completely 2. Yes, I think that it is possible 3. I can't justify it, I hate it completely. My best bet as to why I do it is that it seperates me from others, I use it like a security blanket. Why bother with life and relationships and doing exciting things, I have a horrible face? Etc... 4. What stops me? Thinking of the song by the Spice Girls that goes ' Stop right now, thank you very much!' Makes me laugh and snaps me out of it somehow.
On June 30th, 2009 Mrs Pickerton said:
Hi there...... Here's my answers: :) 1. As of right now, nope I do not want to stop completely. I want to be able to stop for at least one day, so I have better scabs. 2. I think it is probably possible to stop. I didn't USED to do it..so it must be possible. 3. I don't know how I justify it... good question. It's just compulsive and addictive. It calms me down and relieves boredom, I guess. 4. Anyone walking into the room..or my husband waking up next to me. (My "marathon sessions" are at night while I'm lying in bed.)
For information on the skin picking disorder (Dermatillomania), symptoms, causes and treatment methods, get the Complete Guide to Skin Picking Disorders.