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Hi. I am new here. I have been diagnosed with dermatillomania(obsessive skin picking) about 2 years ago by my therapist. Although I am fairly new in the diagnosis, I gave been engaging in the picking since I was 19, im now 34. I have repeatedly tried to stop. My face is my forte but I will pick my back, chest, legs and scalp when my face gets too bad. So its obvious. I work in the public, government sector, and Im constantly worried about what people think(If I am a drug addict). Unlike many stories that I have read where people are telling themselves, in their minds, to stop, I am more in a trance like state where i disassociate myself with what I am doing. I do not sit for long periods of time, however, I do pick numerous times a day up to 15-20 minutes.
I understand the reasons behind picking. Mine is emotional trauma. However, what adds to the emotional aspect of this disease is that NOONE understands what I am going through. Not meaning sufferers of the condition but family and friends. My parents and brother have witnessed me tourture myself for years, however the response is the same always. "you need to stop picking your face" or "you could stop if you want to and put your mind to it". Sadly, I cant stop. Self defeating statement? Maybe. But i have tried and have been taking medication for skin picking. I also see my therapist regularly. Nothing helps.
Any thoughts or suggestions???
In reply to Well, we all understand here by Plug Puller
I recently brought my husband to the therapist and she explained to him that I cannot stop this compulsion. If you can get them to go to the therapist with you, it might help. I have also showed my husband you tube videos that show the person struggling terribly. They never fully understand and I can relate to you.