[penguinsing]

Does anyone have any skin picking or hair pulling problem ?
Seems like I cannot find anyone with similar problem to share

I have this problem when I am stress and depress, I pick my face or pull my hair. And end up feeling worst coz of what I did.

I have some color scars on my face I wish to get rid off. Seeing it make me feel bad.

I don't think many people understand skin picking and hair pulling, even doctors, which make me feel more helpless.

[BPgf]

My girlfriend, who suffers with depression and anxiety, picks at her lips like crazy when she is stressed/anxious. I call her on it and it's like she doesn't even realize she is doing it.

[Sinking Feeling]

I will pick on scabs, rashes, and I also bit the insides of my mouth. Just nerves I think.

[Frankbtl]

Hi penguinsing,
I'm sorry you're feeling alone in this because it's certainly not uncommon. You're not going to be on your own in what you're going through.
Somethings like having a stress ball, using a rubber band on your wrist, finding distractions, finding activities...........can sometimes help a bit.
But you might want to check out these forums as well:
Self Injury - Forums at Psych Central
And
OCD and Trichotillomania - Forums at Psych Central
I'm not saying you have OCD or trichotillomania but some aspects e.g. the stress triggers and managing the picking/hairpulling may overlap a bit and you may get ideas and support there.
But the depression and stress itself...........is there anything causing or adding to that in your life, or any extra support you could get with that maybe??
But if you want to talk a bit more about it here..........maybe we could help a bit??

Alison

[thecrankyone]

You are definitely not the only one. I've been picking since as long as I can remember (literally have memories of my parents putting mittens on me when I was 3 or 4 to make me stop). I can't leave a scab, bump, pimple, or any other raised mark on my skin alone.

My arms, legs and other parts of my body are covered in more scars than not, even parts normally not visible when I'm dressed.

A large part of it for me seems to be anxiety and weird thoughts that I would never act on (bizarre, dangerous, hurtful and so on), but really bother me because that's not the kind of person I am. I can't remember when it started because I can't remember not doing it.

I've talked to different docs and therapists about it, and I'm not sure if they aren't aware of how serious it is, (they act like it's just a minor nail chewing or something), or they aren't aware that dermotillamania is a real condition.

I also have bipolar II and anxiety issues which doesn't help things.

[marmaduke]

I'm a picker. I find picking very soothing but hate the way it looks. Scabby.
Lately I have put plasters on scabs to stop myself as I do it without thinking. It has helped.
Now Im picking hard skin on my feet.
It is a form of self harm.

[BlueIsBest]

You're not alone. I pick at my skin endlessly and pull out my hair just as much. It's frustrating because I'm aware I'm doing it, but I can't stop. Sometimes I am able to fidget with something, which keeps my hands occupied. But as soon as I let go of that object, my hands go right back to scratching, picking, seeking out something that doesn't feel right so I can pick at it til it bleeds or pull it out. I know it doesn't help my acne and it's getting more difficult to style my hair... sigh.

[thecrankyone]

When I get really into something (in the zone as it were), I don't seem to scratch. It's when I'm bored, anxious or the weird thoughts get better of me.

I just need to always keep my brain occupied. I actually seem to perform better when I multi-task. It's like I have multiple brain parts that have to each be occupied.

[astrid03]

Something that could be worth trying are these things called "tangle toys". It can help if you are like me and pick a lot when watching movies, reading, etc and they are inexpensive too.

[AND123]

I know what you mean about feeling alone. I've never met someone else who picks (or is open about it) and definitely not to the extreme I do. My face and arms are covered in scars. My lips bleed from my constant rubbing, and my scalp often aches because I can't stop scratching it.
We aren't alone. Have you found anything that's helped you refrain ?