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Looking for tips and advice! <3
So today I’ve discovered that what I do is actually a thing and that 1 in 25 people have it. Skin picking disorder. I pick my face. I have eczema and I’m not pulling up skin to pick it off, it’s already flaking off. That’s no excuse however. Today, I’m starting my journey to stop harming myself. What I’m doing is self-harm. I am harming my face- I’m going to scar myself- if I haven’t already. I’m constantly scanning my face with my hands to pick off any flakes that are present. It’s become an obsession. Sometimes, I’ll get my tweezers and stand by my mirror for ages just picking off the flakes, just for the satisfaction of it. I cause skin lesions. It interrupts my daily life. I haven’t even been able to get through writing this without going to itch my face, then my hands hover around for longer than needed, to feel for any flakes that need to be picked off. I need to stop this.
If you have any tips to help me get through this, that would be most appreciated. I’m glad to have discovered this page and realise I’m not the only one suffering through this. xx
You may have already discovered it, but the self monitoring app on this page is free, and I thought it was helpful for helping myself become more aware of when and why I was picking. Taking a step back and looking at that can help you to find solutions.
The actual program on here was super helpful to me, I would highly suggest it, if you are able to. I cannot believe how beneficial it has been. Well worth it to me. I'm in my 30s and started picking in my teens, really wish I would have discovered this much sooner.
Another thing I have learned, be nice to yourself! Beating yourself up about picking only worsens the problem (I know from experience). A book that was recommended to me "Self-Compassion" by Kristen Neff. I highly recommend it, I kept seeing myself over and over again in this book. Seriously, wish I would have known about it when I was a teenager.
Most importantly, you have started your journey to helping and healing yourself, congratulate yourself for that! Acknowledging you need help is the hardest part and the most important step! Good luck, I hope you the best!