[ArcheM]

I've read an article on the front page that discussed productive activities to replace fidgeting, but most of them don't really fit me. And this is also a part of my self-searching, because I constantly seem to be trying to take up a creative hobby. Just recently the goal has been to develop videogames, but aside from the fact that it was driving me into depression I realized that it's one of activities that enables picking for me. Writing is also in this category. Anything that doesn't occupy my both hands and/or requires careful consideration, which, again, leaves my hands to their own devices.

The only thing that's been working out is videogames (I've also been using them to manage my diet/weight). That's fun, but it's making me feel like a complete failure, because of all the creative things I've dreamed about doing and am not.

Does anybody have any ideas?

I stopped playing guitar some time ago and maybe that fits, but I have other issues with that, namely that I don't get a desire to create my own music, but just reproduce others', and that just doesn't help.

[88Butterfly88]

Knitting or crocheting maybe?

[ArcheM]

It has been suggested in the front page article, but I kind of just don't see the point, since I don't have any need of knitted things. Plus it has the potential to create more stress, if I, as a male, have to go get supplies.

I just realized that my problem is two-fold: I have to find a daytime hobby, but also a nighttime activity/distraction, because I always take a long time to fall asleep and often that's where all the trouble happens. Or maybe there's no solution to that...

[ArcheM]

Nobody cares, but I thought I'd post an update.

Today I realized that my hands are mostly scar-free, even just relative to the days before the holidays. And actually what I mostly did during the holidays is game development, so I guess the key is not in that, but maybe in the fact that I felt stress-free. I also credit taking shower frequently. Or maybe game development had an influence, at least my approach to it. That is, when I had a problem I had to think hard about, I'd get up and walk around my room, and that seems to be incompatible with skin-picking.

[Agent Misty]

I'm a girl and I would like to say game developement combined with exercise is working for me. I do care which is why I'm responding! I hope you continue to improve.

[ArcheM]

I appreciate that. And I guess I'll have to try harder since there are expectations. Yesterday got my right hand completely wrecked by my cat, which is not exactly helpful for my picking condition, although for a change the look of my hand is easy to explain to strangers.