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gypSenior Contributor
In response to: skin picking
pipSenior Contributor
In response to: Re: skin picking
Unknown userMember
Hello @gyp
Thanks for sharing your experiences with us on the forums. Do you find that you do this behaviour often? Not everyone who picks their skin has a disorder. A good indication would be if this behaviour is interfering with other aspects of your life, or is a relief from feeling anxious.
If this is something that you are concerned about, I would recommend seeing your GP. They will be able to refer you to a psychologist for assessment and treatment. Treatment can involve, but is not limited to, CBT, Habit Reversal Training, exploring tiggering events and producing alternative behaviour to replace the skin picking. These are just some of the things I am aware of...
I wonder if there are other members who can suggest anything, or have any advice? @Ayesha, @Matty, @Kiera80 or @kenny66?
Take care,
Jac-in-the-box
In response to: skin picking
gypSenior Contributor
In response to: Re: skin picking
Unknown userMember
@gyp
It sounds like you are really struggling at the moment. Everyone manages their MI differently, so please don't feel like you are doing it wrong. It can take a long time to learn successful coping techniques that work for you - that is why seeing a psychologist or psychiatrist is useful. You are seeking help on this forum and professionally, and that is a very brave step to make.
If you are feeling suicidal, please do try contact:
- Lifeline: 13 11 14 or Crisis Chat
- Suicide call back service: 1300 659 467 or online counselling
- Your local CAT service
- If in immediate danger: 000
Are you feeling safe tonight? Take care of yourself.
In response to: skin picking
KurraSenior Contributor
In response to: skin picking
JaneeContributor
Hi @gyp
This has been a problem for me on and off, for my whole life. It is anxiety related,and always gets worse when I am stressed. It has taken a while, but I found that dealing with my anxiety has made it less of an issue. I see it as a sign that I'm not doing well, like an early warning that my anxiety is getting bad again. I know it's embarassing to talk about, but if you have a gp that you trust, or are seeing a psychologist, it's worth talking about. We hide it, because we see it as our weakness, but it's just our way of coping with anxiety. Shedding light on it, while it's difficult to do, makes you feel a lot better in the long run.
Sending you strength and (((((hugs)))))
In response to: skin picking
gypSenior Contributor
In response to: Re: skin picking
JaneeContributor
This site is for us to dump on, where we have nobody else to turn to. I'm sorry to hear of your breakup. Please be kind to yourself! It's hard to do when you are in a bad place, but you ARE worth it.
Sending you hugs xox
In response to: skin picking
HeartSenior Contributor
Hello @gyp, I total understand where you are coming from as I was very bad at this. I do feel it has alot to do with anxiety. But i just want to give you an insight to be careful of what you are continually picking at.
12 months ago I was continually picking at something on my left calf. It go to the stage that one day I stepped out of the 4x4 and knocked it on the step tread. It hurt a bit and i thought I should go and get it checked out. I went to the Dr and asked him to biopsy it. It came back as an SCC activating towards a melanoma. I now have a 50 cent piece size graft in my leg from something I thought was just a sore.
I do not pick as much as I use to and anything that I am not sure about I get biopsied. I am now getting 6 monthly skin checks.
Go see your Dr and get some help. If there is anything strange about anything you are picking get it checked out.
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Help us push aside the stigma and discrimination surrounding complex mental health and change the way people talk about, and care for, mental illness.
SANE acknowledges the Traditional Owners of Country throughout Australia and recognises the continuing connection to lands, waters and communities. We pay our respect to Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander cultures; and to Elders past and present.
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