[Yr_Hate]

Hey

I've never thought that I really have a problem with self-injury, ok, so I burnt myself a couple of times - big deal - I went through some difficult issues. I get the urge to do so sometimes but I've been able to cope - yeah me!
But lately I've been picking the skin on my fingers - I do it when I'm watching TV, but sometimes it gets so bad that I actually miss what's going on on TV. I didn't think it was a problem, but now I have to wear Bandaids on my fingers and when people ask me what happened - I don't know what to say!
Any advice?
Much appreciated
I feel stupid

[Perna]

I think it has been associated with OCD mostly, rather than other types of SI. I found this interesting article:

http://www.childadvocate.net/Skin-pi...s_Behavior.htm

I bite my fingernails (which is similar to skin picking), have for as long as I can remember and I was in therapy for anxiety problems. I know some people bite their cuticles instead of their fingernails.

Are you seeing/did you see a counselor or anything for your "difficult issues"?

[jacq10]

hmmm well thats a tricky one. Thats an interesting article that Perna gave there ...

I know though that I use to pick my skin - around my knuckle area. It would bleed and scar too. Although, it wasn't really a compulsive thing, but it was different from the other forms of SI that i did (cutting, etc). So i guess it depends on your intentions behind it.

[Yr_Hate]

I have seen numerous psychologists about those "issues", but honestly, it did more harm than good. I have an awesome job, great family and i'm generally happy, but i just cant seem to relax. I have constant back ache and headaches above my right eye. I dont like takin medication, I dont suffer from depression and i live a healthy life.
But i'm always tense, i'm not sure why. I've been thinkin about seeing a psychologist, but i'm very sceptical.
When i pick my skin, it's like my mind switches off - i relax.

[Rapunzel]

Somewhere there is a reason why you are so tense and can't relax. Tension like that may be associated with stress or anxiety. It costs you to maintain your self-image of having everything so good, and not to see what you are tense about or afraid of, and why.

There are some better ways to relax and eliminate tension. The most effective, of course, would be to find out what you are stressed about, and do something about it. Therapy can help with that. If you just want to do something about the tension, yoga is really good. Or you can learn progressive muscle relaxation: http://www.guidetopsychology.com/pmr.htm

[Yr_Hate]

That's all good and fair, but i need behavioural help/therapy. Something concrete that i can do to start the process. It's just getting worse! I only realise how bad it is when my fingers are covered in blood - i dont even realise that i'm hurting myself until it's too late! I cant go on like this.
Please tell me what to do! I'm getting desperate now. I dont have any time to do physical exercise like i use to and i think that plays a role in my tension levels. Advice?
Ps. yoga is against my belief

[bipolar_bear]

You indicate that you need behavior help therapy. It seems that you believe it is the answer for you. If so maybe you can explore finding a t that can help you. You may also check into DBT as that gives you some options for positive coping skills.

BB

[Yr_Hate]

DBT?
Sorry but i'm not a wizz in psychology...that's if it's even terminology used in psych...LOL
I appreciate the advice guys - really.
Thanks!

[Rapunzel]

I hope you are still reading, and that you find some help. DBT is dialectical behavioral therapy. Any therapist would know the term DBT, if you want to ask for it.

It does sound like your best bet would be to go to a therapist, because it will probably take an organized and professional approach to address your concern. Please do let us know how you are doing.

TC,
Rap