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

AstroSpectrum · Mar 04, 2023 at 10:03 PM

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.

Yaowen · Mar 05, 2023 at 04:51 PM

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.

SlumberKitty · Mar 06, 2023 at 01:44 PM

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!

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

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Yaowen Grand Magnate Yaowen has no updates. Member Since: Jan 2020 Location: USA Posts: 3,377 (SuperPoster!) 6,046 hugs given	Mar 05, 2023 at 04:51 PM #2 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.
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SlumberKitty Legendary Wise Elder SlumberKitty is staying stable. Member Since: Jul 2018 Location: CA Posts: 27,030 (SuperPoster!) 117.8k hugs given	Mar 06, 2023 at 01:44 PM #3 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! __________________ Dum Spiro Spero IC XC NIKA
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