Pick Pick Pick

[BlackbirdSinging]

I've always noticed that I have a tendency to pick at my cuticles and fingers. I never really thought much of it until I realized that almost every time I'm anxious I start picking and peeling at usually.. my thumb. When I sat back and really thought about it I realized that almost every single time my anxiety is really bad one of the first things I'll do is start picking and peeling at my thumb. Not just at the cuticle either but at the side and pad too.

At times my thumb will get very red and raw. Sometimes it will bleed a little near the cuticle. One day in the car my mom noticed that my thumb was bright red. I completely avoided answering her and hid my thumb under my other hand. She looked again and asked me why I was hiding my thumb. I was embarrassed. I think this is something I have to bring up with my therapist. Does anyone else ever do anything like this?

 

[Dorri]

Yes, I'll do that to just about any finger when I get too anxious.

I've been trying to stop as several became infected but its hard.

 

[MagiLisu]

I used to pick at my skin all the times, I still do it but not as often. I manage to stop for a while but I've never been able to completely break the habit.

 

[safenow]

I find when I'm anxious I tend to scratch myself. Especially my legs. At times, when I've had a bad night, I'll find that my legs are bleeding from me scratching them. I tend to scratch my arms where there are scars. Then, when I see the blood on the area around the scar, my mind goes back to how I got that scar. Not very bright is it?

I'd never really thought about it before. Perhaps I need to bring that up with my therapist. Thanks for bring up this thread.

 

[maddog]

Yes, i've always had a tendency to scratch and pick at my fingers and hands in this way too. I've had to accept that it's a mild, but very chronic, form of self harm which I tend to engage in for the same reasons and under the same circumstances that bring about any of my self harming patterns.

I also have a worrying tendency to quite unconsciously dig sharp objects into my palms without even realising it. I will occasionally realise, when very stressed or agitated, that I have picked up something and clenched it in my fist so tightly that it has cut my palm. I tend to have no conscious awareness of my intention to do this, but obviously am seeking some sort of emotional release through physical pain by doing it.

Am working hard, in keeping with working on being more aware of my body in general, on concentrating on what I'm doing with my hands when I'm stressed, and learning to keep them still and relaxed when possible. It's actually harder than I'd anticipated...

Maddog

 

[safenow]

learning to keep them still and relaxed when possible. It's actually harder than I'd anticipated...

It really is. Bless your heart. I am sorry to hear that others have these same issues. For so long I believed I was the only one to do these types of things.

I'm glad you are putting forth the effort to change. I'm glad we can find ways to change and have true happiness in our lives. Aren't you?

 

[Gamereign555]

It's strange but even as a kid I would do this. Another area I would mess with is the heels of my feet. Not so much anymore but I used to cut up and peel away all the tough skin, seldom would I bleed from it but walking on it would be painful for days. I still don't know why I would do it. Possibly a retreat from reality or anxious boredom?

 

[BlackbirdSinging]

I'm sorry you guys go through this too but I'm glad to know I'm not the only one who does this. I mean I knew I couldn't be the only person ever lol but it's validating to read your experiences.

I had never really thought much about it. I figured it was some quirk and maybe a fidgety habit. But then when I think about how I'm almost always feeling anxious when I do it.. it made me think again. That and I don't know anyone else who gets anxious and peels skin off of their fingers until their fingers are raw.

I'm definitely going to discuss this with my therapist when I go this week and I'll let you know what she says. Thank you for your responses. I really appreciate them.

 

[intothelight]

Hi Blackbirdrising,

One technique that might help in the short term is deep breathing. When you catch yourself picking, stop and take a deep breath focusing on inhaling from deep in your diaphragm to the top. I visualize pouring something into a cup as it is pouring air into my lungs. Focus on letting the breath out slowly, from top to bottom and repeat.

This type of deep breathing can be calming and engaging in an alternate activity will allow you to break the focus and redirect it.

Hope this helps.

 

[BlackbirdSinging]

This type of deep breathing can be calming and engaging in an alternate activity will allow you to break the focus and redirect it.
Hope this helps.

Thank you intothelight :). I'm going to have to remember to do that the next time I catch myself picking at my poor thumb. I do have a breathing exercise that my therapist showed me. Deep breathing really does help me slow down. I like doing it.

 

[jmni]

There is a word for this. It's dermatillomania. skinpick.com

 

[BlackbirdSinging]

I saw my therapist today and asked her about this. She said it's nervous anxious energy. She said she's not too concerned about it at this point. She said she'd be more concerned if I started smoking or drinking since I don't do either. But she did say she's going to keep an eye on it.