Online Test

Find out the severity of your symptoms with this free online test

mamma , 26 Apr 2009

new member here - this is how I am not picking just for today......

Today is my second day not picking. I just found this site and it is defenitly good to know others are going through the same thing. I just started a journal and wrote down when I pick(for example - at night when getting ready for bed, after sex, before getting in the shower) Where do I pick ( example - in the bathroom) and what are my triggers ( looking at my arms). I am taking this one day at a time. I am involved in a 12 step program(Narcotics Anymous) so I apply the skills and suggetions of not using drugs that I have learned to help me not pick. Picking my skin is defenitly an addiction. It is mind-alterting and I sort of get a high from doing it but mostly I think it takes me away from other things I am thinking about and helps me release the stress I have built up throughout the day. I think that is why I almost always pick at night before going to sleep. I am keeping track of how many days I go without picking because it feels good when I looked at my calendar and see that I have not use drugs in one year and 100 days so I think the same method might help me not pick. For me one is too many and a thousand is never enough. So I can't pick just a little because I think that just triggers the addiction all over again and then once I start I can't get enough and hhave a hard time stopping myself. The urge to pick is still strong today but I do not look at my arms so that helps and I just tell my self "not today, I am not going to pick right now" and I re-direct my thoughts to something positive, like wearing my bathing suit without a tee-shirt to cover my arms, or wearing my wedding dress this June!!!! and feeling beautiful and condident. I hope my story helps somebody....... I know your stories help me : )
2 Answers
cherrycolalola
April 27, 2009
I like how you said one is too many and a thousand is never enough. that sunk in. and the one day at a time attitude seems like a good way to approach it. thanks
mamma
April 27, 2009

In reply to by cherrycolalola

yep, I am trying anything to stop this crazyness! Glad I was able to share with you and maybe help. Today is day 3 that I have not picked. It feels really good to wake up without the shame, guilt, and hatred towards myself after I have a picking episode. I am thinking of doing some online therapy they have available through this website. Have you tried it? I know that after three days of not picking I am not cured. I have gone 7 - 10 days before and then the urge just takes over and I start again. I am so thankful for this website though. It is great being able to talk about it!

Start your journey with SkinPick

Take control of your life and find freedom from skin picking through professional therapy and evidence-based behavioral techniques.

Start Now