Anyone else struggle with BFRBs, like skin picking? I'd love to hear from you!

Hi there! I don’t struggle with skin picking, but we’re all here to help you! Are you aware of what triggers you?

I have skin picking disorder so if you’d like to talk I’m here

@mizzfrizzle How long have you been dealing with this type of OCD for? What do you find most frustrating about it?

I have skin picking problems. Stems from my OCD and BDD according to my ocd specialist. It’s horrible.

Hi @Bear91! Keep your head up.. hope you have a good day. I’m sure others can chime in on this topic soon.

Yes i always pick my skin when I have ocd flare ups.

I struggle with skin picking as a result of my OCD

@nOCD I've been struggling with the disorder for roughly 16 years now, unfortunately. Though some days are better than others, the amount of time it takes from my day and the effects it has on my self esteem are the most frustrating for me.

@ily9k Hey! :) I'm semi aware, but it's still very unconscious. It happens when I'm stressed, but I'm not always sure where the stress stems from.

@Hlr Thanks! :) Same to you if you ever need someone to talk to. How long have you been struggling with skin picking?

@Bear91 I totally sympathize. :( It's terrible, especially because it feels so isolating. What is BDD?

@ily9k To add to my previous comment: For example, sometimes I'll be in the middle of watching TV with my boyfriend, get up to use the bathroom, and wind up in there for 20+ minutes because I found one blemish to mess with. From there, it always escalates somehow, and then I have a preceding cleansing routine that is rather excessive (picking makes me feel dirty, so I will wash the areas until I feel clean again). It's those moments that confuse me most because I was relatively relaxed beforehand.

@Lizzie Me too. How long have you been dealing with the disorder?

@MizzFrizzle I think I’ve had OCD since I was a kid but I was diagnosed 6 years ago.

@Lizzie Again, likewise! Except for me, I self diagnosed 6 years ago (I was too apprehensive when it came therapy up until 2 years ago when my diagnosis was confirmed). If you don't mind sharing, what areas of your body do you tend to focus on most?

@MizzFrizzle Have you found therapy helpful for your OCD? I tend to pick whenever I am anxious or my OCD is bad. Usually I pick my face, chest or arms.

@Lizzie Well, I stopped seeing my therapist because I felt he wasn't familiar enough with skin picking. ? I often felt like a case study for him and wasn't really benefiting. I think if you find someone who truly understands the disorder and practices CBT, then therapy is definitely helpful - 100% recommend if you can afford it. My OCD is primarily body-focused, but it manifests in other ways too. I pick at my face, chest, arms, and back

@MizzFrizzle I completely understand what you mean. I agree that therapy can definitely be helpful, you just have to find the right fit! Skin picking seems to be more of an anxiety driven compulsion for me. However, my younger sister has OCD and hers is body-focused. I find picking very hard to stop!