17 replies to this topic

[bluechick]

I have been picking at my skin for over 25 years.  I have tried everything to stop and have failed miserably.  I have successfully overcome drinking, drugs, and cigarettes.  But for the life of me, SI feels next to impossible to stop.

 

Well last night, DH cornered me and we had an open and honest discussion about my skin picking.  Usually when he would confront on my scabs I would deflect, make excuses or outright lie.  I avoided talking about it at all costs because I was so ashamed of myself.

 

But last night we discovered that I have made a lot more progress than I thought.  I saw a picture of me from 3 years ago and I was absolutely covered in scabs all over my body, neck and face.  It was awful.  How it's not quite as bad but there are still a few scabs.  And I also remember a few years back that I was picking and clawing at my skin ALL THE TIME.  In the car.  In the shower,  While watching the kids.  While making dinner.  While watching T.V.  While going to the bathroom.  Everywhere.  Now, I have eliminated almost all of the times when I pick.  No more picking in the car, in front of the t.v., etc.  The only time I pick now is during my evening shower when I am winding down from a long day at work.  I stay in there for like 20 minutes, completely zone out and just let my hands search out my whole body looking for even the smallest blemish.

 

Well that's progress, right?  So my DH suggested the most simple of solutions -- stop taking my evening showers.  Why the hell didn't I think of that?

 

Now I have a plan in place.  I'm excited but VERY cautiously optimistic.  I have had plans in place before that have failed miserably.  I have seen 5 separate professionals, some of whom claimed to be specialists in dermatillomania, to no avail.  Nobody succeeded. 

 

So here I am praying that this time works.  I am going to blog my progress as often as I can.  Hopefully I can stick with it this time.

 

Please give me your support and all advice and feedback is more than welcome.

[Blu.strong]

I think that's a great idea. Don't be upset if you still have a hard time quiting though. Stopping a long time habit can be really hard. Be kind to yourself through the process. Good luck were all here for you. Keep us updated.

[Phoenix_Rising]

I love a good plan.  Kudos to you for continuing to try to stop.  

[EyeMindBeingGrim]

Sometimes it takes someone impartial to see the answer. It really sounds like a good idea! Best of luck and please keep us updated.

[writeandshiny]

I really hope this works! Good luck, my thoughts are with you!!!

[Parapluie]

Good luck, Bluechick! We're all here rooting for you!

[bluechick]

Thank you so much, everyone!  I haven't really had cheerleaders in the past.  I always felt so alone.  DH, as much as he tries, is usually no help whatsoever.  He usually talks about how the picking affects HIM.  Well that doesn't help because that just makes me feel more guilt and shame.

 

I finally feel like I"m not so alone in this.  Thank you to everyone for your support.  I really need it.

[Mirazh]

I have some pretty bad dermitillomania right now. Watching you attempt this gives me hope. :3 You can do it!

[Mim]

Yes! Go you! Having a plan and the commitment to stick it out is important. The shower is an issue for me too. I set a timer for twenty minutes. That helps somewhat. You could also try buddy showers if DH is willing.

Keep posting! You can do it.

[Titania]

Would it help to work in a self soothing technique before the shower? It sounds like maybe (this is just my interpretation) that the hard day at work and coming down from that is being achieved by the picking, maybe another technique would make showering less risky?

[bluechick]

Update; I'm now on day 3. I have found that practicing mindfulness while In the shower, rather than just zoning out, helps tremendously.

[A208B]

Congratulations! Three days is a big deal. Shower-time used to be a problem for me, too; at the height of my SI, I would always tell someone right before I showered, even if it was just through a text message. It made me feel more accountable for my behavior and I think it helped a lot.

By the way, I'd like to say that it's strong, inspiring ladies like you who help me stay hopeful about my own recovery and I wish you all the best.

[bluechick]

Congratulations! Three days is a big deal. Shower-time used to be a problem for me, too; at the height of my SI, I would always tell someone right before I showered, even if it was just through a text message. It made me feel more accountable for my behavior and I think it helped a lot.

By the way, I'd like to say that it's strong, inspiring ladies like you who help me stay hopeful about my own recovery and I wish you all the best.

Thank you so much! What a wonderful compliment! It's support like that which I receive here that makes me want to keep going.

[Wooster]

THAT is impressive!

 

Good for you!

[Blu.strong]

Congrats! That's awesome

[Mim]

Sending a text for accountability is an awesome idea.

Three days is good, and figuring out what helps is even better. You're doing awesome.

[scatty]

YAY!  I'm glad you are doing so well, you sound very determined.  Keep it up!

[Rowlena]

Keep going! I have skin picking issues as well and this gives me hope!