Dermatillomania, My Struggle

Deschroma has a You Tube channel. She makes videos based on the mental and medical conditions she has to deal with, She has been diagnosed with schizoafrective disorder, and bipolar 1 type. There is a social anxiety disorder, panic disorder, and PTSD. Still she is employed at a small sales company, She is also a freelance writer.

One of Deschroma's most challenging afflictions is dermatillomania. Dermatilliomania is sometimes called compulsive skin picking disorder, or the clinical term, which is excoriation disorder. Sufferers feel compelled to pick at their skin for extended periods of time. Their actions include rubbing, touching, and digging into their skin. Some sufferers do this to do away with perceived imperfections. Others may have a triggered obsession.

The behavior of sufferers may result in the discoloration of the skin and scarring, In extreme examples of the disorder, Body-Focused Repetitive Behavior, there can be serious tissue damage.

Effect of picking 

In her You Tube video Deschroma illustrates her battle with dermatillomania. At times she can cope fairly well with the disorder. At other times it flares up. Stress related issues like the sickness of a close relative can trigger the appearance of dark blemishes on the face, In many images in the video she looks perfectly happy.

But the stresses that trigger her condition can get the better of her at times. When blemishes appear she tries to resist the urge to pick at and scratch them. Other times she zones out and can't keep herself from continuously picking at the bemishes During the times blemishes appear on her face looking in the mirror can make her feel anxious and insecure. This can then take her down the road of being ashamed and embarrassed.

Deschroma has gone through periods where it seems as though her condition has gone into remission. But then it can flare back on her during times of stress, When she has the facial blemishes she applies make up when she goes to work, and tries to put up a good front even though she may feel like she is dying inside.

Therapy

Over the years Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT) has aided Deschroma in her fight against her disorder. Dialectical Behavior Therapy is a cognitive behavior form of therapy that was first used on those prone to suicide, A key component for DBT therapists is for them to accept their patients as they are. They also stress that change is needed for them to get better and live the type of life  they desire. Treatment is carried out by tackling patient's most serious concerns and then systematically moving down the list of issues that have to be dealt with, A successful patient will eventually reach the point where they can define their life goals.  This will aid them in attaining self respect, and then find peace and happiness.