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I have too many picking issues
Hi, I'm new. My husband and I ate expecting our first child, and I'm 30 years old. I first started my at age five. At least that was what my mother told me, I just know I've been doing it for as long as I can remember. I do quite a bit, picking, scab picking searching for acne everywhere, picking the sides of my , lip biting, and nose picking. I found recently that I won't be able to sit without doing at least one of these AT ALL TIMES. I've done cheek chewing, and have my toenails pick my nail knuckle like part that's dry.
I need help more than ever now. My scabs are on my breasts. I find that I may not be able to breastfeed my child when they are born. I don't know how to stop, it's been years and years of this. I don't know what to do. In a treatment I was told to a rubber band on my wrist, and snap when I get the urge. I guess this disorder baffles even therapists. What do I do to start headed down the long and scary road to recovery?
December 30, 2012
Forgive the horriblegrammar, I did this from my phone
December 30, 2012
Pun intended- baby steps. Is your only problem area on your chest? If not, try to switch your focus on that area to another area. I know that sounds like putting a bandaide on the problem, but it is a good way to start weaning yourself away from that area. For instance- I know that I will probably never completely stop picking. So in the summer, I'm more prone to pick my arms or my scalp than I am my legs. That way I'm not socially isolated as much as I would have been. I've heard the rubber band thing, maybe it works for some people. I bought fidget toys online to keep my hands occupied. Bubble wrap is really good too. Sometimes I'll tear paper, or type (like I am now) to keep busy. Always have something in my hand. Keep the area covered (no low cut shirts) and if you notice your hands moving that way, move them sonewhere else. If I feel myself starting to pick I will literally grab my hand with the other and hold it down against the material of whatever I'm wearing. A sort of slap-on-the-hand technique for me. Best of luck!
January 04, 2013
does your husband know about your picking?maybe he can help you when you start picking such as talking to you about what you are thinking about when you start to pick. i've heard journaling helps with clearing your mind as well