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People keep leaving.
It's been 10 years of relentlessly picking at my skin, but just a few weeks ago my girlfriend broke up with me because of it and people can't stand to be around. They force me to put on gloves and Band-Aids and cream but I can't stop. This is the worst it's ever been and there's alot of open wounds and they're getting infected pretty bad... they're all over and they're deep. They hurt like hell and I get stressed out and go right back to tearing up anything on my skin for hours a day and I can't find a way to stop . My fingers my face my arms my legs my nipples my hands my ass all have these giant scars with new deep cuts right next to them. I had a bad time last night and I will have to go to the doctor cause they're gonna be hard to fix. How do I let everyone know that punishment isn't going to make me stop
Hi Mr. Scratch!
I know how it feels. Everyone in this forum does too, you’re not alone in this. I myself have been recovering from a very bad year. Also my compulsion comes and goes, some bad phases, some better.
Have you tried this website program? I have to say initially I thought it was not helping, but after 8 months, I have improved a lot. It helps you analyze yourself, understand the roots of your compulsions, and slowly, but gradually... manage better your urges... I am not sure there can ever be a total cure, because it is all so deeply rooted... but for sure stress, anxiety and boredom can be a great trigger.
I partially solved my picking by resolving what was causing my triggers... but still there are big falls every now and then. Much much less than before though.
Anyway, never mind the people who have left you... try nos to reming yourself of who you are - because we’re not our skin, our appearance, or our compulsions... we’re so much more than that.
Don’t blame yourself too much and share with your family the proper way people who love and care for you should act with you. I did it with my family, it helped a lot.
Hope you feel better soon!
*try now to remind
It's not going to get easier, followed behind alot of emotions that your feeling already such as fear of being alone and no one understanding you from your pov. It's very frustrating, and hard to start doing because you've been at it for 10 years. I know exactly how u feel, I'm still current, I've been picking since elementary till now, it's been 2 days I haven't picked. Set a goal.
Very sad post, my heart goes out to you. I have dropped the idea of having friends for this reason, even though my picking is not that bad anymore. I just dont want people acting like dermatologists and giving me their "advice". Also dont want to lie to people as to why I cant meet them on a specific day due to my skin being a mess. I dont care about the acceptance of others and therefore for me this whole friend idea is useless. I also move a lot and it fits my nomadic lifestyle to keep to myself. My husband who had cystic acne as a teen understands me and doesnt feel swayed by my behavior. Also, I noticed that my picking has had its ups and downs over the years. Some years I am much worse than others. Lately it has diminished and I am happy to say that I can live more of a normal life and go out much more often than in the past 3 years. This in itself is a blessing.
Mr. scratch I so know how you feel because I have been where you are now. I have been picking at my face since I was in my 20's and now am in my 50's....I tend to pick when I am feeling anxious and upset about something and that is the time that I really tear my face apart. Lately I have stopped the picking but the urge is always there. I am going through some tough times right now and I soooooo want to start to picking. I am happy to say that I am doing good and when I feel myself starting to pick that I can talk myself out of it. Don't let people judge you on your behavior. This problem is real and people do not understand it.