(Trigger) Is skin picking/hair pulling self harm? (Trigger)

Hi everyone, I pick my skin (scalp) and pull out my hair as a self soothing activity, I am autistic and an Occupational Therapist said I will never stop until I find something to replace it with. I h,ave tried fidget toys as a replacement and they don't give the same feeling of satisfaction, relaxation, calm and enjoyment. I don't do this to intentionally hurt myself, but it does damage my body as my scalp bleeds. Can anyone explain to me why it feels so good, and what a replacement could be? Thanks.

Unfortunately, I don't know enough about that to offer anything really helpful. I hope that people with more experience, knowledge and wisdom will see your post and respond helpfully to your questions. Apologies for not being able to be helpful to you but I hope you will find answers.

I don't pull my hair or pick my scalp but I engage in other forms of self harm that some therapists think is related to an OCD diagnosis. I have never found a substitute that works as well. Can you ask the Occupational Therapist for some ideas as to what a replacement might be? Welcome to the forums!