Things that have helped me (and I hope will help you too)

Hey everyone, So I just want to discuss a few things that have helped me since I feel we are all here for support and suggestions. 1) Cognitive Behavioral Therapy. I can't stress how important this is. I know some people may not be able to afford therapy or have health insurance, but if at all possible, I'd highly suggest seeing a cognitive behavioral therapist. A regular shrink you talk to isn't going to cut the mustard when it comes to skin picking/ocd. You need someone you can work with to change these behaviors actively and effectively, and that's exactly what CBT does. Please keep in mind this is a PROCESS and not a quick fix. So don't be discouraged if it doesn't work at first for you. I started a month ago and I'm already making progress, but I am no where near being "cured". I have still made leaps and bounds, though, and continue to do so as the therapy progresses. 2) Taking a daily Zinc supplement. Zinc is beneficial in various ways when it comes to overall health. I've learned that it helps to speed up the healing process and have definitely seen an improvement in wound healing since taking Zinc supplements. Again, this isn't a quick fix, but I'd say start now and within two weeks you should notice a difference. I should note that zinc is best absorbed when taken on an empty stomach or with a glass of OJ/acidic juice. Be aware that when you first start taking Zinc it MAY make you nauseous. I usually take my Zinc when I know I'm going to be sitting around. One time I took Zinc and then went to walk to campus and puked on my way there. So be sure to see how it effects you on a day off. The nausea tends to wear off in a half hour or so, at least for me. 3) Water. Drink plenty of it. Starting off the day with half a lemon squeezed into a room temperature glass of water is a great way to start your day. No only does it help to cleanse your liver over time, but the vitamin C is also good for your skin. 4) Kuumba Made Scar Repair gel. You can find this at a Whole Foods or at http://www.kuumbamade.com/store/index.php?p=product&id=7 It's not really that well known, it seems, but take if from a girl who's used a plethora of scar creams/gels in her day that this stuff works better than anything I've tried to date. Again, not an overnight fix, but after a week of using this stuff I was very impressed at the results. 5) Honesty. Be honest with yourself, others, and doctors. If you tell people about your condition, the more likely it is that they can help you. Some people may never understand your condition or how hard it is to stop. This is just a fact of life. But there are people out there that DO understand and WANT to help you. I promise. 6) Build a support group. Be it a close friend or family member, try to find people you can talk to and who will support you during those times you really want to pick. 7) Find distractions or things to keep your hands busy with. If you feel like picking, try doing something else instead, be it going for a walk, working out or any other activity you see fit or find enjoyment from. I'm not trying to be inappropriate, but masturbating has been a good distractor for me, haha. Stress balls, paper clips, anything small that you can keep in your hands definitely helps. I find that my hands have a mind of their own, and even if I'm not in front of a mirror they will find their way to my wounds. If I'm holding something in my hands, though, I find this definitely helps cut down on that. 8) Give yourself credit. Even if you have a slip up, never forget to give yourself credit for any progress you have made and don't be too hard on yourself. Remember that this is an addiction, whether others recognize that or not. 9) Love yourself. This is so much easier said than done and not an easy task by any means. However, if you learn to love yourself, it makes it so much easier to help yourself and to stay strong.