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lilhowe , 12 Jan 2011

Was optimistic- now feeling a little down

I was filled with an overwhelming amount of joy last night when I found this forum. I was amazed to see how many people shared my story. I am 28 and currently going through one of the worst picking weeks of my life. I made a conscious decision last night that today would be day #1 of no picking!! I was so sure this would be be true and I would finally have the support i needed on this forum. Well, to my disappointment I couldn't overcome the temptation this morning. I have a presentation at work today and I have to face the crowd w/these horrible wounds on my face. As truly disappointed in myself I feel- I still have hope that I can beat this monster. My goal tomorrow- make it #1!
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rachel_e
January 12, 2011
Hi lilhowe, I was so happy when I found this forum too. Gives me hope that it's possible to beat this! I'm 27 and been picking my face for about 12 years. Since reading through this website I've realised I've probably been picking in one form or another for my whole life. I can remember picking my cuticles and the skin on my feet when I was really young, like 7 or 8. I've had quite a lot of stress on and off over the last few years and I've definitely noticed a link between stress/anxiety and my picking. I've recently broken up with my boyfriend and I can't handle how awful picking makes me feel about myself on top of how terrible I feel about the break up. So, I'm determined to put an end to it. If you want we can buddy up and try to do the 21 day challwenge together. I'm making tomorrow my day 1! I'm going away for a couple of days so hoping the change in routine will help break the habit. From Friday I'll be checking in here every day so keep in touch if you want.
lilhowe
January 12, 2011
Yes! Lets keep in touch and track our progress too. I am excited for a new day, I just have to get through today (i.e. hide in my office for as much of my day as possible). Good luck on your day 1!
rachel_e
January 12, 2011
Thank you! We can definitely do this!!! I know how awful you must have felt today (I've been there), but it's really great that you're using it to motivate yourself to change. I like that you say you're excited for a new day - I am going to try to see this as something really positive and exciting rather than dwelling on the negativity I feel about my picking. I'll check in again on friday. Good luck !
mblaloc
January 14, 2011
I have tried to be really good about my picking but tonight I had a relapse as well... I start work in a new division in the morning which had me stressed out = picking but now I just feel embarrassed and ashamed about how my face will look tomorrow. When I pick it is such a stress reliever but then after I just am more stressed out because of how my skin looks. Reading your posts has just reminded me that tomorrow is a new day and can be day 1 of the new me. Stay motivated!!!
rachel_e
January 14, 2011
mblaloc, please try not to beat yourself up too much. You can always start again. It's so annoying that stress is the trigger coz it naturally coincides with situations you want to look as good as possible in! And as you say, although it relieves the anxiety temporarily it just makes it worse later. Good luck - getting through day 1 was a real confidence boost for me!
rachel_e
January 14, 2011
Well I've made it through day 1 and nearly all of day 2. Last night I found myself staring in the mirror and kind of just looked really closely at all my pores, all the blackheads I'd usually pick at, and just didn't pick. It was a bit strange as I had the same kind of trance I get when picking, but without the picking. I am so proud I managed not to do it though! I've gone a few days in the past without picking but never made a real effort to quit before so it feels like an achievement. lilhowe - I hope you're ok and managed day 1!?

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