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How i stopped
This will only work if you pick in the mirror. Get rid of your mirrors and cover the ones you can't get rid of with decorative window film. I have one mirror in a poorly lit area for putting on makeup. It is screwed to the wall, so i can't move it to somewhere better lit. I also covered the mirror on the back of my car visor with duck tape.
I picked for 30 years. I could spend hours in the mirror. I used needles. There was never even one day that went by without picking. I was not a mild case. I'd tried covering my mirrors before with curtains but they were too easy to move. Then I did this and, voila!, no more picking. I am still not picking 3 years later. I am still incredulous that this worked. I know it sounds you good to be true. But, after years of trying to stop, I just stopped and it was easy.
Unfortunately, I'm here now because my son has begun picking. He doesn't user a mirror so my miracle cure won't help him. But, i figured maybe it will help someone. You can get the film at Lowes or home Depot or get fancier kinds online. My heart goes out to all of
you.
Thank you so much for sharing this! I went to home depot today and picked up some artscape brand window film. I've covered one mirror so far - it was fairly easy to do and I already feel calmer knowing that I can't see my pores or blemishes in the mirror I primarily use for picking. The artscape brand said the removal is easy (this was important as I think my parents would kill me if I permanently obscured my bathroom mirrors lol)
After having picked for 10+ years, and now at the height of another relapse, I am going cold turkey on looking in mirrors. I think you're absolutely right that they are the ultimate mediator of this behavior, as I too would spend 3-4 hours a day picking to get my deep ingrown hairs out. Let's hope this helps and we can control the urge to pick now!