Online Test
Find out the severity of your symptoms with this free online test
Looking to discuss my disorder with some people...
Hello, I just came accorss this website and feel so much better knowing that I am not crazy! I am 33 years old and a mother of 2. I believe that I have been picking for almost all of my life. After the birth of my 3 and 4 year olds, my problem has gotten severly worse. I am picking my back now and face all of the time. Then, trying to cover everything up with tons of makeup. I have been using proactive lately along with Mederma for the scar treatments, but once everything starts clearing up a bit...I start the vicious cycle all over again. I know I am needed, but usually feel completely ignorant and worthless. I have recently begun treatment on Celexa, but have discovered that it's not doing what I need to get over this OCD behavior and is causing me to sleep too much and grind my teeth. I used to be so pretty when I was young, but then I started to internalize everything and now am looking for a psychiatrist to help me with this issue. For those of you that are so young on here, don't be scared to ask for help. You might miss out on a fantastic opportunity in the future if you don't address your concerns now, just as I have missed out on so much. Thank you.
January 13, 2010
First of all, you don't have to be young to get help or to change - and you're still young! And, you are not ignorant - it seems you have great self-awareness in asking for help and sharing your story. You are also worth a great deal because you are providing your valuable insight to people like me! Your kids will appreciate having a mom that is able to talk about feelings :)
I'm 22 - I just started working on my PhD in microbiology and I have the same issues. As much as I know about spreading bacteria, I can't help my picking addiction. I've tried proactiv and mederma and like you, perpetuate the cycle - once everything appears to be clearing up, I find a tiny flaw and make it so much worse and then the cycle repeats! I also internalized it, which only made it worse and recently told my boyfriend about my habit. He was extremely open and receptive to it and instead of judging me, wants to help me and be there for me - whenever I get the urge to pick, I can call him and he'll distract me. I love my life and since I am starting a new phase in my life, I thought I would try to overcome this problem. I didn't realize so many people had the same compulsions, but it's comforting to know that we can share with each other. I wish you the best and if you have any suggestions as to what you've tried, I would love to hear them!