newly diagnosed and incredibly hopeful..

Hi there. I want to commend you for taking this important step and sharing your personal story. It is very brave and will hopefully put you on the path of healing and conquering this picking compulsion. I can relate to many of your struggles. Although, I didn't start picking until my early 20's. It goes in waves where I have good months and then seriously pitiful ones. None of my family, friends or husband have ever really mentioned my picking. I finally told my doctor recently, which was a tremendous relief. She is very supportive, but during the truly bad picking episodes, I stay home and hibernate. So, nobody really sees the real damage. Even at home, I will try to cover it up with make-up. This issue has negatively affected so many areas of my life. I believe that it has been a major issue in my depression battle too. Finding this website and others that can relate has seriously been magical. I thought that I was completely alone in this. It's nice to have the support, comfort and understanding. I am hoping that I can offer that too! :) Remember that you are a beautiful person no matter what!

Thanks for sharing. I have been the same way...embarrased that I pick at myself. I had no idea that there were others who did the same. I just found this site about a month ago..today I decided its time to exchaned thoughts and ideas with others who can relate, because no one seems to be able to understand this problem. Yesterday was the first time in my life that I went to a doctor seeking help, I admitted what I did to myself and asked if she knew of any dressings, creams, pills...anything to help me. I was shocked and felt so hopeless at her medical advice to me...she said to wear long sleeves so I wouldn't be able to get at them!!! Seariously...that was her solution. U and I both know that long sleeves are no barrier to this! I have searched the internet looking for doctors, and therapists who may have some realistic ideas for me. It seems to be an issue that people like us have hid for so long that no one knows what to do, if they even knew it was a problem at all. Once I had a police officer bluntly tell me he knew I was a drug addict because my arms gave it away. I am NOT a drug addict but that really opened my eyes to how the world views our problem...I wonder if when we seek advice from doctors if they think that we are drug addicts trying to cover it with bs and that we sometimes aren't even aware of what we are doing. I look at my scarred limbs and curse them...but I have to realize that even with this horrible problem I need to be thankful that I have arms and legs. We neeed to try to find the positive and find the strength and willpower to be able to control ourselves. I know its possible...but how to get there?? Do u know anyone personally with this problem or just people like us hiding behind the screen? Personally, I have only this site for confort. Again, thank u for being brave enough to share...WE CAN DO THIS!! :)