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time4change , 24 Oct 2012

My Realization

So it's almost one in the morning and here I am on a skin picking forum. Tonight's the first time I've had the courage to really admit to myself that maybe this is a problem. And I've decided tonight's the night for change. At first I wasn't sure I even wanted to post anything. But then I decided maybe I could get support, or advice from someone going through the same thing. So a little about me. My first mental health issue that was diagnosed was ADHD early on in high school. Towards the end of high school I was diagnosed with anxiety and depression. I started taking medicine and getting counseling for those issues. For as long as I can remember I have picked at any pore on my legs that looked abnormal. It started with me just trying to pick at ingrown hairs. Once I started getting acne I began picking at that as well. I so easily can sit in front of the mirror and just lose track of time. I also have picked at my cuticles for a long time. More recently I have started picking at my scalp. It's gotten to the point where I'll be sitting in class and I catch myself picking at it. It's become super embarrassing and I'm very self conscious about it. I have terrible scars from picking at my acne for so long. I came off antidepressants and anti anxiety medicine this summer for a variety of reasons and would prefer to stay off them as much as possible. I'd say things have gotten worse since coming off, but it's not a new issue by any means. To me it's ironic that someone like myself who is going into the field of therapy/counseling has an issue like this that they are ashamed to admit to. But the time has come for me to step up and fight back against what has slowly taken over my life. Any tips or anything that you have that you think could help would be great.
3 Answers
olivegreen
October 24, 2012
I truly believe that those who have suffered with a particular condition or life experience are the best people to help others deal with that situation. Consider it to be a blessing to have the capacity to help those who are hurting by being able to personally relate to them. :) Take care, and good luck to you on your journey.
Picking-your-battles
October 25, 2012
I too use to pick at my scalp when I was younger. I'm on assumption that you're female, so a suggestion I can give is to wear headbands, hats, or scarves/bandanas. That will remind you that when you reach up there, the area is off limits. Maybe you could wear a bracelet with beads so you can fiddle with that instead. I also agree that the best counselor/therapist is someone who's been through something themselves. I don't want someone telling me I can stop when they have no idea. I have also made it difficult to stare in a mirror at any time. Only small mirrors allowed near sitting areas, and there can't be good lighting! It's all about occupying yourself in a different way and realizing what you're about to- or are- doing. And resisting. We are here to help!
Karissa
October 27, 2012
Hats off, so to speak, for admitting this publicly. This looks like a safe place. We aren't psychopaths, just coping destructively. The only thing that's helped me thus far is.... nothing yet. I've tried everything including cutting my nails down as far as I can tolerate. But then the healing scalp wounds start to itch like crazy, then I scratch with other sharp objects. Good luck, and keep coming back. Maybe there really is strength in numbers.. may we can all gather some here. xo

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