Techniques I have found that have helped me to resist the urge to pick!

these things sound good... i just tried the jumping and flailing... it was kind of fun :) how have these been working for you? thanks for your input.

yep. some good suggestions here.

just found the site, but after 25+ yrs. of obsessing about my obsession, i've learned a few things, just not how to completely stop. out of sight (or feel) works. i keep clothes on at all times, since i mostly pick at minor acne on my arms and breasts. ive found that once the pus is gone, i lose interest in the wound so i use neosporin, lots of neosporin. also, i use the rubbing in of the salve as a way to 'virtually" pick. i'm still being ocd about the scab, but in a positive, rather than negative, way. i've found that the pressure of a band-aid Reinforces my need to see and feel just how bad the sore is, so i stopped using them. as this disorder ( and it took me decades to realize that this is one component of a broad spectrum of mental processes which have gone awry in me) focuses on perfection and the lack thereof, i try to achieve that perfection in other ways. Taking care to go the hair-stylist, get my nails done, get facials, anything good for me and my self-esteem will reduce how often i feel the need to destroy myself from the outside in. i am intolerant of the very idea of being medicated, (residual fear from years of lithium side-effects) but SSRIs do help. I take an herb called Kanna from south africa which has an anti-anxiety effect on me, thus reducing the trigger. (DO YOUR RESEARCH ON ANY HERBAL SUPPLEMENT SOME CAN BE VERY DANGEROUS IF IMPROPERLY DOSED.) the main thing i'm working on right now is forgiving myself. i've scarred myself so badly, people actually stare at my scars if i go out in public w/o covering them up. I take a DEEP breath, look right back and mentally recite, "it's ok, they're just scars. you cant change the past, but you certainly can NOT go home and have a session just because some insensitive asshole is making you feel like you should be in a zoo". i'm stunned at how many people here have made reference to a significant other- how on EARTH do you have sexual relationships???? the very idea of someone i'm attracted to seeing the damage i've done to myself makes me squirm. to everyone in a relationship, WOW! you're my hero, one day i hope i can be comfortable enough with my skin and body to allow someone else to see it, i think anyone who is should give themselves a standing ovation, that takes GUTS.

Last night I didn't have full control and I did pick at my skin a bit. Not enough for anything to bleed or form scabs or anything. I find this time in the 40 days the hardest for me. This is when my last 2 failed. I'm not sure why i find THIS period of time the hardest, but I want to keep going and forgive myself for this one imperfect night. Before I go into the bathroom to wash my face I always say "I can do this, I'm not going to pick, I'm going to have better skin tomorrow" and then next thing I knew I had my hands on my face! So, Today/ tonight I'm going to try listening to my ipod while I wash my face (yes a bit risky for my ipod) with some lively music to try to prevent the relaxed trance like state that I get into when I pick. I'm hoping the music will keep me motivated, alert, and aware of what I'm doing more than the silence does. I'll let you know how that goes for me. I'm also planning on doing yoga before bed and in the morning (if I have time). I will record that and post it here. I am going through a stressful time so I'm hoping the yoga will be relaxing. Update on my skin: My chin and forehead don't need makeup :) And everything else is easily covered by makeup because I have no scabs. Just red dots from past picking episodes. Good luck to all of you. Keep posting tips. We'd all love to hear them.

I try to be kind to my skin and find this helps: ------>> wash with warm water, not hot ------>> use a fresh washcloth daily ------>> rinse with cool water (not cold) to address inflammation and to close pores ------>> pat dry with a clean towel ------>> DO NOT PICK ------>> bandage broken, weeping or bleeding sores immediately after cleansing using prescribed medication or a topical antibiotic (if possible) ------>> dress non-broken sores with an anti-itch, anti-inflammatory analgesic ointment ------>> if going out into the world, use sunscreen ------>> apply a moisturizer (avoiding bandaged areas) if you suffer from dry skin ------>> apply makeup to lesions not bandaged ------>> take morning medications, vitamins and supplements for daily health and skin care (a multivitamin, extra A, Bs, C, D, and E vitamins as appropriate, omega-3 fatty acid, calcium, and bromelain) ------>> wear an elastic band around one wrist to snap if you catch yourself touching/scratching/or picking ------>> keep fingers away from your skin (wear gloves if need be) ------>> reapply ointments/makeup as required during the day ------>> drink lots of water ------>> eat well ------>> exercise ------>> limit caffeine, alcohol and tobacco use ------>> and as early as possible at the day’s end, wash up with a gentle soap such as Purpose Gentle Cleansing Wash ------>> rinse with warm water to remove the soap, then again with cool water (not cold) to address inflammation and to close pores ------>> pat dry ------>> DO NOT PICK ------>> immediately bandage up ALL broken, weeping or bleeding sores as well as any lesions that may present temptation to pick at unconsciously over night ------>> apply anti-itch, anti-inflammatory analgesic ointment to healing areas prone to itching to reduce chance of unconscious urges to scratch ------>> take night time medications and supplements (more omega-3 fatty acid, chromium picolinate, etc) ------>> connect with supporters (friend/family member/online group) to share your day’s successes re skin care ------>> journalize ------>> pat yourself on the back for a job well done ------>> and get a good night’s rest of 7-8 hours of healing sleep

Hi!

Thank you so much for these tips. I would like to ask how do you join the community? I am struggling at the moment as well and would like to learn from the community! Thanks again,

Katrijn