What it took Blake Sullivan to finally stop picking

Who is Blake Sullivan?

Blake Sullivan isn't a celebrity, but has achieved something that you admire far greater than any movie Holywood accolade. Why? Because you are here reading this article because compulsive skin picking is a harsh reality that you or someone you care about struggles with. Blake is also a writer for The Greatist and shared the journey of becoming pick free through the online magazine platform, sharing these tips for others who experience the same.

Realising you have a problem

As the saying goes, “The first step is admitting you have a problem.” Denial is a large part of any psychological problem, and breaking through self-deception is usually very difficult. A number of compulsive skin picking sufferers have to reach a low point before they will accept that their skin picking is a serious problem in their life. This low point may be different for different people, and it could be as simple as realizing you are neglecting other hobbies, or as serious as social isolation and self-harm.

The second most important thing is accepting yourself the way you are. Think of the ways your life would change if you started to accept yourself. Our bodies may not be functioning at 100%. We should not drift away or deny the existence of illness.  Yet, our bodies are not “who we are “they are the vessels that carry our souls in our existence. Self-acceptance does not mean you are happy with your skin picking disorder. In actual fact self-acceptance it often prompts to dramatic change as you give up the restricting beliefs and self-sabotaging behaviours that you’d adopted trying to be someone you’re not.    The key to finding the happiness and peace you seek in your life is not in attempting to figure out what’s wrong with you; instead, your aim is to explore various treatment and support options.

Despite of what society might think, skin picking disorder is not your fault. Understanding that the disorder is not your fault makes things easier for you when dealing with ignorant people who do not understand the bases of the sickness. While it’s likely not possible to eliminate all negative people who influence the trigger that compels you to pick your skin, you may be able to reduce some of your exposure. Replace negative thoughts with positive ones.

Seek Professional Help

If picking at your skin truly is an issue, go talk to someone who can offer professional help or someone who can refer you to a professional. Individuals often feel embarrassed and feel like they're only one doing it, however it is quite common. A professional would never judge you as they are trained and experienced in dealing with such issues. Your specialist will have treatments and different things to do for it. If the skin picking gets to the point where it’s preoccupying you during the day or on the off chance that you are alone you find yourself doing it every day, and are wearing increasingly conceal just to cover the harm you've done, you ought to request offer assistance.