</font><blockquote><div id="quote"><font class="small">Quote:</font>
Smurfette said:
Instead I've been scratching at my head all day long and making little cuts in my scalp (I know that's SI, but it's not as bad) and picking at my lips and gums and scratching my face to relieve that tension and desire.

</div></font></blockquote><font class="post">

That is an alternative i use often. i guess it doesnt leave as many scars but can release a lot of tension. Hang in there. As you said, the stress will pass, but that thought doesn't make the here and now any easier. I hope your offline friend was able to help you