Can't stop...

Hi. It's interesting how many new ones there are who have only just discovered this site. I guess there are a lot more of us than we realize. But I don't think anyone w/o this problem could possibly understand. I've been married for 16 years now and I can see that my husband has merely resigned himself to the fact that it is what it is. From what I've read it's more of an impulse control disorder than an obsessive compulsive disorder, which doesn't necessarily exclude the possibility of having OCD as well. As attested to by others on this site, meeting regularly w/a mental health counselor is one way to help ourselves deal w/it. I know it's helped me in the past so I'm arranging to do it again. But if you realize you're not comfortable w/the person, ask to be referred to someone else. The last one I had was too good of a listener; that's all she did. It was OK for a time bu I wanted someone who could give me a little feedback and ask questions to make me think. Whatever you can come up with or learn about that might help, give it a go. And let us know. I'm more than willing to give something a try just in case. An earlier blog mentioned using a slinky while watching TV for example, so I tried that. I've found that playing w/silly putty when your hands are idle is helpful too. It allows you to squeeze and dig and pop bubbles. (Unfortunately, I've since acquired Dupuytren's Contracture and Tenosynovitis in my hands--Trigger Finger), so it's become tiring and painful to use it anymore.) Despite everything, though, I believe the problem isn't the fact that we pick--it's WHY we pick. That's the part that really needs healing. I know when I feel confident and hopeful, I'm not as inclined to do the damage. But I hear ya, even cutting my nails short is useless. I just resort to tweezers instead. I wonder if it's kinda like being an alcoholic: we might never be rid of the condition but we should be able to get it under control, which in itself would lend to a happier existence and all the more power to us. Knowledge and acceptance is the first key. Here's to wishing the best for all of us! Hang in there!!