[BadWolf]

does skin picking count as SI? How bad does it need to be to be "bad"?

[mazing]

It definitely can be classified as SI, depending on the reasons for doing it. As for 'bad', I don't personally believe that one type of SI is worse than another. We all struggle for similar reasons, no matter what we use as an outlet.

[beloiseau]

If I don't cut, I pick at the scabs I've created. I believe that is a way of self-injuring.

[blissfullybarefoot]

I def pick at wounds and prevent them from healing. I think it would depend on the emotion behind it. For me, it's def still SI.

[tealBumblebee]

I have skin picked for as long as I can remember (even as far back as elementary years), but I have no self harm intent behind it. For me it's soothing and a bad habit (like my nail biting), so I think in my case its not a self harm issue but an impulse one.

[BlueSoup]

I think skin picking can be a form of OCD. There is a ton of info (articles) on the web.

[paintingravens]

I fidget a lot, so I pick my scabs, when I get them, small bumps on my skin, and cuticles; many's the time I've made my cuticles bleed, but like Bumblebee stated, I'd consider the issue more of an impulse control thing than premeditated self harm, though I still file it under "self harm". I'm not sure if it's conscious relief I feel from doing it, just because it's something I'll catch myself doing absentmindedly when I'm nervous or restless, but I think the stinging pain still manages to become something I feel like I deserve, and then the impulsive picking feels justified... if I'm making any sense? Idk, maybe it's a self-esteem thing. Or all of the above.

Originally Posted by tealBumblebee

I have skin picked for as long as I can remember (even as far back as elementary years), but I have no self harm intent behind it. For me it's soothing and a bad habit (like my nail biting), so I think in my case its not a self harm issue but an impulse one.

yep thats exactly how it is for me too! I have literally done it as long as I can remember..