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some tools that have helped my overcome bulimia, and hopefully skin picking too
I have been picking my skin since I was 15, now I am 22 and am still plagued by this disorder. I have come to view this as a major symptom of my anxiety, just like Bulimia was to me. I was bulimic for 5 years of my life and after extensive therapy my urges to binge and purge are so minimal that I can't remember the last time that my eating disorder reared its ugly head. This leads me to believe that I can overcome that evil voice that tells me to pick my skin. But just like recovering from bulimia, overcoming this destructive coping tool will take a moment to moment, conscious effort, every day until I get to a point where my thoughts aren't interrupted by an urge to pick.
I am going to use some of the tools I learned at the ED clinic to help me with this depressing problem.
I hope they are useful to any of you who are ready to take the plunge towards recovery.
1) Journaling at least once a day is absolutly imperative when it comes to processing the thoughts and feelings that are causing anxiety.
2) When a strong urge arises, discover a method/s that refresheyour mind and let that urge pass on by. What helps me is going outside for a quick walk, playing my guitar, clenching my fists, punching a pillow, drinking a cold glass of water.
3) List all of the things that skin picking has kept you from, all of the damage it has done to yourself and others.
4) Prayer and/or meditaion
5) Nurture you physical and emotional self with something like going on a drive and listening to music, taking care of your hands, rewards for not picking are great too.
NOW IVE GOTTA PRACITICE WHAT I PREACH!!!! i know the tools, so im going to challange myself and hold myself accountable to not pick at my skin for one week. Thanks for letting me make this public announcement :)
we've gotta stop hurtin our beautiful selves.
ill let you know how it goes.
In reply to This is really great advice! by crystal