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teresawalling , 02 Aug 2009

Did I stumble across a cure for skin picking?

Hi everyone. I just have to share this with you. I have accidently stumbled across something that is working for me and want to tell all of you so that someone else may feel as good as I do right now. Now, it has only been 4 days as of today, but it really does seem to be working. Ok, here goes. 4 days ago I found this website and began reading everything I could. I was amazed (as well as terribly saddened) to see that so many others were suffering just as I am. In explaining the different types of illnessess that cause us to do this, whether it is anxiety or self mutiliation, the posting was talking about the severity of the picker. Whether you pick once a day or three to four times. Well, my guess at the time was probably at least a hundred times a day (and no, I am not kidding) but I became curious to know exactly how many times I really do pick and when. Well the "when" became real obvious and the answer was anytime that I am sitting still, like in the car or on the couch or even on the toilet. Now I wanted to know how many times I do this a day. So I began to write it down. You know, like a journal you would keep for overeating. I documented the number of picks and where the blemish was located. Well, on the very first day I documented only 3 picks, but later remembered 2 more that I had to go back and write down. But still only 5 picks, well that was a pretty good start. Well on the second day again, it was only 3 picks and I docmented which bumps it was I picked. Then on the third day again only 3 picks. So I thought well, I seem to be consistant. Now first thing today I picked one, so now I only have 2 picks left for the day. Saving them for a really good bump. But still, to go from hundreds of picks ( and I am not exaggerating - I look like the worst case of chicken pox you have ever seen) to only 3 picks a day? WOW! And I am starting to feel so good about myself and my accomplishment. Statistics say that only 1 % of us ever beat this, and I may just be on my way to becoming part of that 1 %. In only 4 days, I have limited myself to 3 picks a day, and my arms are already starting to show signs of healing. No fresh wounds, and less scabs. Please email me at teresawalling@yahoo.com and let me know if this is working for you. I may have just stumbled across a way to heal our minds as well as our bodies . Good luck and god bless. The feeling of possibly beating this is a wonderful feeling, I wish it for all of you as well!!!!
3 Answers
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mshbuck
August 08, 2009
I'm a skin picker (and hair puller) who picks at every part of my body. Literally, if I can reach it, I pick it. My picking over time has only gotten progressively worse and caused me all the pain in the world. Like many people who have shared here, it's a living nightmare. It's insanity. And it's a double life, because on the "outside" I look like I've got it all together. Recently, I found a 12 step group for skin pickers that has SAVED MY LIFE. I now have HOPE. There is a weekly phone meeting. I'm not facing this devistating illness alone anymore and I no longer have to "figure it out." Before these meetings I tried EVERYTHING - cog behavior therapy, habit reversal therapy, talk therapy, blockers, abstinence, group therapy, online programs (not free) and every SSRI on the market. Today I don't have to struggle like I used to because the 12 steps work for picking. I have seen miracles of recovery and I know there is hope because I know THERE IS A SOLUTION. Please call in if you need support. YOU ARE NOT ALONE. SKIN PICKERS ANONYMOUS PHONE MEETING - Sundays at 7PM EST. Call in #: 1-270-696-2525 / Access Code: 12128
catlady31
August 18, 2009
So, you are suggesting that just writing down when and what you pick has helped you not to pick?? I don't even realize I'm doing it most of the time. Since I just found out that CSP is an actuall thing and I have it, I've been trying to notice my sores and when I am picking (not writing it down, just in my head) and the next day I'll have all these new sores and I'm thinking where did that come from?? I literally have no idea. I also have found that sitting on the toilet seems to be a ritual picking time. I've noticed it the first thing I do when I sit down. How weird is that?! I would agree that not exaggerating, I pick all day every day. I've often been told it looks like I have chicken pox. I almost wonder if that isn't when this all started - I was an odd case and got chicken pox twice when I was a child... I remember not being able to leave them alone.
teresawalling
August 19, 2009
Hi there. Yes, writing it down helped me to realize WHEN I was picking. And notice that I said WAS. Like you, I would not even realize I had done it until I saw all the fresh wounds on my arms (and everywhere else). And yes, toilet time is the worst for me to. It is just a great opportunity to do it, cause you aren't doing much else. For me it is anytime that I am sitting still. Like watching tv or sitting in the car, and of course on the toilet. I too look like the worst case of chicken pox you have ever seen. And yes, writing it down made me acknowlege when it was happening. And after a few days I no longer had to write it down, cause I was able to keep track of it in my head. And I was able to limit myself to 3 picks a day. After picking at least 100 times a day, 3 was a great improvement. After about 4 days I could really see how much better my skin was looking. The scars are still there, but will lighten up over time. It is just about making yourself aware of what you are doing and when you are doing it. It really has helped for me. Please feel free to email me at teresawalling@yahoo.com to keep me posted on your progress, and also for support. I am amazed (as well as saddened) by how many people suffer as I do. I had no idea. Best wishes to you, and above all else I wish you wellness!

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