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Kamir , 08 Jun 2011

Lets all stop together!!!

Okay so I was thinking that if I knew that other people were trying not to pick on a daily basis that it would help me not to pick. So today is going to be the first day that I don't pick - Day 1, June 8, 2011. So if anyone else would like to join me that would be awesome!! Thinking that everyday from today we can go on this site and let each other know how we did for that day and congratulate one another on our progess. Who wants to join me!!! :)
54 Answers
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purplefrog11
June 09, 2011
Good idea, Kamir! I will join you! Starting a day late, but oh well :) I've tried going cold turkey in the past. Of course, it didn't work. But after years in therapy, I feel like it's now up to me...I have the tools I need to quit! How are you doing so far? You're on Day 2!
purplefrog11
June 10, 2011
Day 1 was alright. I did pick a few times, but not nearly as bad as usual, so it's a step in the right direction! Isn't it amazing how hard it is to stop something that you know is so destructive to your body? I'm glad I joined this site...you really can't understand it unless you've gone through it (because it makes no sense to other people!) Good luck to everyone!
Kamir
June 10, 2011
Hi purplefrog11, It baffles me too that I have been picking for 16 years now and how much grief it's caused me and I'm still doing it!! I don't think non pickers can truly understand how hard it is to stop. I don't think any of us will just be able to stop cold turkey but if we consciously try on a daily basis to do our best, I think there's hope. Minimizing your picking is a start in the right direction! I'm striving everyday to not pick at all but I have picked day 1 and day 2 but very minimally so I should be happy about that.
purplefrog11
June 10, 2011
Good for you! I saw a suggestion on another post that I thought was a good idea. She says she takes pictures of her problem areas on a daily basis, so she can see her progress. I've started doing this, and although it feels really weird taking pictures of my face and legs (my 2 biggest problem areas) it forces me to see the damage I've done, and also how it's healing. This is not an easy process, but like you said...we CAN do it!
Kamir
June 11, 2011
That is a great idea! Good for you for being proactive and trying something new! How did you do today? I picked a little bit at the sores that I've been covering with bandaids but still nothing major. I can't wait until my skin heals up so that I can start looking for a job and I've decided I'm going to start swimming for exercise.
purplefrog11
June 11, 2011
I didn't do quite as well today. Nothing horrible, just gave in a little. Exercise is a good thing for us, because it gives us a way to let out whatever is causing us to do this in the first place (anxiety, etc.) I keep it light and go on walks most days. I find that trying to exercise hard core just makes me more anxious and completely defeats the purpose of de-stressing haha. Swimming is definitely a good way to get some exercise. Keep up the good work!
JD
June 11, 2011
Agreed! Yesterday was my first day to stop and I found that excercise was a huge part of my success. It makes me feel better about my body and, hence, less anxious and less wanting to attack my skin. I starting applying ointments (vit E to scars, polysporin to sores, and a spot acne tretment to any acne).Already- in only 24 hrs- I woke up and there was far less redness. I graduate on wednesday and Im confident I will look better. Gloves have been helping, and having a tea while I work, so that when I go to pick, I grab at something else. weird, but it worked for me! I also limited my mirror time. Day 2 and Im not feeling as strong but hoping I will pull through!
purplefrog11
June 12, 2011
Good for you! And you will pull through. But even if you have an off day here and there, don't give up. No one can expect to just stop completely and not make any mistakes at all. The goal is to notice when you are doing it and consciously make yourself stop, rather than beating yourself up about it. It's hard...reallllllly hard. But hang in there :)
renko
June 15, 2011
After reading this site, I am more aware of when I pick and I have been putting lotion on my heels which makes me not want to pick them and when I start picking my fingers I have to consciously stop doing it. It hurts and I try to put lotion on them too or I try to get up and do other things. I find when I feel nervous with other people talking to me, I unconsciously pick my fingers. I know I can stop this habit which it is and I want to feel good about my hands and feet. I wish the best for all those who have this habit too. It takes time and there are options and the ability to get support and stop picking. Any habit that causes shame, being self-conscious, etc., can be kicked to the curb. Thank you.
Kaddinx
June 09, 2011
I think that's a good idea, too. Today is the 9th and it's almost 11 pm, but I will join you tomorrow. Maybe that helps me to stop =/ (picking got inceadibly worse while my weekend-trip last friday, so it needs at least to get less) Yes, so I'll join you two on the 10th :) We can do this ! (sorry if I made some strange mistakes here.. english isn't my first language) ;)
Kamir
June 09, 2011
Okay that's great!! Kaddiinx, thank you for joining me :). Today is June 9th so you must be a day ahead of me. It's supposed to be my second day but I did pick at a few of my sores last night so I'm back to day one and so far so good. My goal is to not pick at all cause once I start, I can't stop. I have to retrain my brain that it's okay to have blackheads, clogged pores, and bumps. I put bandaids on my sores so that i can't see them or touch them. How is day 1 going for you?? Just remember that there is someone else out there who is struggling today with the urges to not pick. We CAN do this!!!!! We HAVE to stop!!!
diane634
June 10, 2011
I'm in! I tried to stop on June 1, did OK (very minor picking each day) until Tuesday, which was day one on my business trip. For some reason when I get in a hotel room alone, I tend to find myself analyzing the texture of my skin. And then we all know what happens next. Tuesday night was minor (only 7-8 pinches). Last night was bad. Tonight so far only minor (10-15 pinches). The hardest part - once you start to quite picking, the bumps come to the surface and are much easier to extract. For me the picking begins long before my hands touch my face. So I am trying to avoid the 'recon' situation all together. No looking closely in the mirror and no touching to feel the bumps. Any how, I am happy that you started this post and I agree a support system will help a lot! Good Luck!
Kamir
June 10, 2011
Hi diane634!! I'm so glad you're up for the challenge too!! The more the merrier :). I agree with how you said that after you haven't picked in a while, it's easier to extract. The day I started this post, I had a picking session the night before. I was being very gentle and everything was coming out very easily and I thought i would be okay, but when I woke up the next day. I had some very red sores. I think all the years that I've been doing this has really damaged my skin and has caused it to become alot more sensitive. So point of the story is that i can't think that being gentle won't cause sores. I'm very glad you didn't have a bad night tonight. I took off the bandaids and picked a bit at some of my sores but like you nothing major. Let's try again tomorrow!!
indigominds
June 10, 2011
I'm in! This is going to be very difficult. Today's the 10th but at least I'll be a part of it! I've noticed too that summer brings on a seasonal picking habit: skin peeling from sunburns. The bottom of my feet have suffered too recently since they're the least exposed to other people. How is it going so far with you, and everyone else? It must be 9 or 10 days now!
blondie87
June 10, 2011
I'm in. This condition has taken over my life and I want it back. Finding this site has really shown me how serious this is and how many people it affects. I no longer feel alone. We are stronger than this and can take back control of our lives. I try everyday and will now try even harder. Let do this together!!
Kamir
June 11, 2011
Hi blondie87! I can totally relate when you said this has taken over your life. I have missed out on sooo many opportunities because of this. A lot of the time I won't be able to leave my house for weeks at a time cause I'm too embarrassed to be seen. I feel like I'm in jail! But I'm feeling more hopeful. I'm on day 3 and have picked very little so far. How did you do today?
blondie87
June 11, 2011
Today I have not been picking at all but generally I am able to stop for 2-3 days and then I do it again really badly. Its my birthday on Monday and I am going out tomorrow night so I want to look good and that is enough motivation for me to stop for a couple of days at least. I'm so happy I have found this site. Its really encouraging to talk to others who have the same problem. I cried so much last night reading through everyones comments in the forums. Its was like reading my own thoughts. I hope so much that everyone with this issue is able to overcome it!!!
Kaddinx
June 10, 2011
Hey... so day 1 is over and I'm not really happy with me. I caught myself biting my cheeks and lips and picking my thumbs =/ I didn't really pick, but I found myself starting to. And again I'm a little bit impressed of how unaware I am about it when I pick. But hey.. let's hope the best for day 2 ;)

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