Self care?

Posted July 1st, 2009 by serenitynow

Hi there, I hope I'm not a bother posting all the time... I just find this forum helps so much to digest what I've been pondering for decades of my life... I have a theory as to my own picking-- that I'm somewhat out of touch with my emotions. I'm a very emotional person, and anxious, but I like to always feel like everything is FINE or GOOD would be even better. I'm also very concerned with others' well-being, often putting myself last, rushing around, trying to go go go. So, I think I may pick as a reprieve from an otherwise hectic life. It's like a forced stop break, under the guise of grooming and "taking care" of myself. What a joke. Do any of you have similar stories?

On October 21st, 2009 hekler said:

That is totally me!!! I have a great life with supportive people but I'm exactly like sernitynow, everybody thinks I have it all together. But, when I home alone and I have time to just sit and relax the next thing I will do is go to the mirror and start picking away. I thought I was over it, but realize that I'm not. I have been off work for over 6 weeks due to recovery of surgery. And I haven't picked as extensively as I have done in the last 6 weeks. I guess when you are home and nothing really to do except to recover your mind does crazy thing. So, last night I went on a binder and boy my face looks like a land mine hit it. I'm pretty good with the makeup, but my skin is getting older and doesn't heal as well as it used too, so it takes much longer to heal. I hate myself for doing that self mutilation. Something has to get done, I have to go back to work on Monday and I hoping that my face will heal by then. Does any one have tips on making your face recover quickly? It would be greatly appreciated. Cheers

On October 21st, 2009 JayLee said:

Yep this is me all over! It a way to unwind and "treat" myself. i feel like i need it. It slows down my thinking. i hair pull as well. i also think it has something to do with removing imperfections, im very image concious - even though by picking i make myself look worse. but i fool myself that when i start picking "this" time i will make it better! ever time i tell myself this, and i fail every time. its nuts! thanks for sharing.

On October 16th, 2009 littlemo said:

I agree I am the same, I wish I could stop tho

On July 19th, 2009 BrayJay said:

I am the same way. I pick acne and my lips. I dont know much about the lip thing but I do know that the result/goal is to smooth my lips. You might be picking to get a smooth surface too; smooth things over. I posted way too much too, but I just found this site and I am so happy!

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