Cannot Stop Destroying My Own Body, Slowly and Consistently.

Hey @MagicalMermaid ! Good morning and welcome to the SANE forums! We are glad to have you here with us.

Thank you for showing up and being so honest and vunerable.

I'm sure others will jump in to welcome ou and offer support.

Gosh I am sorry to read you're having this struggle at the moment. I don't have any specific advice to offer but I am SO GLAD to read that you have an appointment lined up next week. That's a great step.

You have spoken to your GP about this too?

It's also really positive that you are reaching out here for support.

Have you got any supports in place at all?

It might help to talk to someone, share what's going on. Sometimes it helps to relive the pressure valve a bit.

SANE has a free program, you might be interested in taking advantage of the one on one sessions over the phone.

Here is a link to the information and registration page: Welcome to SANE’s Recovery Club

I'm sending you all my best this morning. Thank you for being here with us.

HhXx

Hello @MagicalMermaid, I'm sorry that you're struggling with this but know that you're not alone. I often find myself scratching or digging my nails into myself especially if I'm in a stressful environment or I'm overwhelmed by something, I don't usually realise I'm doing it at the time though. What I've found to really help is to keep little fidgets on me at all times so that I can keep my hands busy. I have one that has little spikes on it that I can squeeze and it gives that pain response that I'm seeking without actually causing harm to myself.

You've done so well to reach out for support here and I'm glad that you have a psychiatrist appointment coming up too. Please take gentle care of yourself, we're here for you ❤️.

Hi@MagicalMermaid

Sorry to hear that you are experiencing this distress. Maybe you could try a squish ball, keeping your nails short, keeping a moisturizer near by so when you feel the urge you put moisturizer on your hands instead. Take your time rubbing it in. Do you have a gaming remote maybe playing a game so you keep your hands busy.Maybe even wearing cotton gloves

Hello @MagicalMermaid and welcome.

Excoriation disorder is troublesome. There are others here with it, and i've probably been through a phase of it myself. It seems a vicious circle as itching, irritation and scabbing make you want to pick more. Soothing the skin, and being aware not dissociated while picking, come to mind. You might need a dermatologist's help as well as a psychologist or psychiatrist. I remember I had trouble with selfesteem and body image which fed into the problem. Better knowledge of selfcare and grooming would have helped me, but I hesitate to suggest a beautician, not knowing your circumstances.

Thank you for sharing and being so open.

The psychiatrist can potentially unlock a bit for you here. No expert at all but you have received some good tips above already to look into.

Could also be a better diet or even meds to reduce your skin issues.

We all have our own unique issues and battles. Keep building that professional support network to gain some understanding and guidance.

Even for the short term get a fidget toy or something similar to the picking or squeezing trait you experience. Maybe even one of those popping acne ones to transfer it to a new thing you do.

You have done the hard yards and realised. Getting that help and by putting yourself out here is a brave and awesome step. Little steps make a big movement forward.

All the best, you got this.