Pick Pick Pick

[BlackbirdSinging]

I'm so anxious right now I could probably just skip the picking and peeling and just remove my entire thumb. Ok not literally. But I mean ..flashbacks ya know? Because it wasn't bad enough when it originally happened and the nightmares.. night terrors and disturbing dreams just aren't enough to keep me upset most of the time anyway :shifty:.

 

[Finding Shawna]

((((BlackbirdRising)))) If it's ok

 

[maddog]

This discussion of messing with piercings reminded me that probably my greatest weakness when it comes to this form of "picky" self harming is in relation to existing injuries. Chances are if I have any sort of injury or sore spot caused by other means, I will fuss and mess with it until it becomes infected and much more of a deal than it originally was. Sadly this behaviour has its origins in past traumas, and so both the act of irritating existing wounds, and the resulting problems associated with them, tend to be very triggering for me.

Stress and anxiety manifest in so so many different ways don't they...

Maddog

 

[Lionheart]

I tend to pick at my fingernails and to mess with acne sores, minor cuts, and wounds until they are infected and leave scars and blemishes on my body. I have done this since I was young and find it to be a difficult habit to break. A lot of times I do it absentmindedly and don't realize what I have done until there is blood on my fingers/hands. :(

 

[MagiLisu]

Had a very bad session last night, I feel so overwhelmed with hate and loneliness that I just couldn't help it. I have marks and scabs all over.

 

[BlackbirdSinging]

Hugs to all who are comfortable getting them. I had a tough week last week too and bloodied one finger and started on another. My therapist is starting to talk about meds and neither of us are big on them. Ironic but that gives me more anxiety to think about. I know it means she's getting worried.

 

[Betty]

I suddenly began a new habit at 51. I have been to embarrassed to tell anyone. I scratch my scalp to the point that it bleeds. The spots are deep. Some areas are as big as quarters with no hair. For now, I am able to cover it. Shampooing, drying my hair is painful.

I can't leave it alone long enough for it to heal. Always when I am anxious or worried. I wake up with my hand in my hair.

 

[surviving_it_all]

I scratch at my hand because of anxiety. It healed up with meds from the doctor. Since, it has been ok. I haven't broken skin again. I hope I never allow myself to do this again.

 

[cat]

I suddenly began a new habit at 51. I have been to embarrassed to tell anyone.

Thank you so much for confessing Betty, at the age of 50 I also started doing this but until this moment I haven't told anyone!

It wasn't until I saw my brother (he has schizophrenia) that I admitted to myself that I did it too, until then I blamed having my hair colored! Then PTSD kicked in & it got worse, like you I had large deep places that I would just pick until they bled. Since therapy & going on medications my scalp has cleared up & I only scratch when in extreme anxiety. I found using Nutrgena medicated shampoo helped with the healing process.

 

[Betty]

I am in therapy and on medication. I have yet to tell my therapist. I am trying to kick the habit by myself. Thanks for the tip about Nutragena Shampoo.

 

[Upside Down Eagle]

I tend to pick at my fingernails and to mess with acne sores, minor cuts, and wounds until they are infected and leave scars and blemishes on my body. I have done this since I was young and find it to be a difficult habit to break.

This, all the time. Usually my face is full of red dots, making me feel totally attractive, not! But I have a hard time stopping, it's this continous tension... one thing that might help you (it helps me) is to get out of your house and go biking or walking or something, for a long long time, until you've got rid of that tension. Then you come home completely relaxed. That only works for a while though...

 

[Emma13]

I pick eyelashes and eyebrow hairs. Been doing it since everything I went through started.