- Date posted
- 4y
- Date posted
- 4y
Even with my tricks to help not pick, I still do it sometimes. But in the fight to pick less, here’re some ideas: 1. Manicures, fake nails, gloves — When my nails are nice, I use them less for picking in order to keep them nice. Fake nails cannot pick as well as real ones! And gloves are an option when my other methods aren’t working. 2. Fidget toys, activities involving your hands, sewing — Keeping your hands busy for “nervous” energy can really help. (I put quotes because it doesn’t have to mean you are actually nervous; you could be bored or have any other emotion.). Sewing in particular is my favorite. It keeps my hands busy. It is not a net negative act or even neutral; it’s net positive. (By that I mean that not only don’t the results end in harm, but they produce something pleasing or good.). Also, sewing, and often tinkering or fixing anything, kind of gives me similar pleasurable sensations as picking does. The part of picking that can be satisfying is met, yet it’s met without all the regret or guilt. Sewing also helps me balance my mind, almost meditatively, keeping me in a better state when I’m done sewing too. So find your special activity. 3. When you catch yourself picking, pause, FORGIVE yourself, and then hit reset. My OCD will act like or say, “Well, you’ve already lost, so you might as well keep picking.” That’s just it being a big jerk! The truth is that that’s when the battle is starting, not already lost! And if I falter again, it’s hard, but I forgive myself again and restart the fight. It can also be good to switch things up at that point. I find even taking a break to come to this app is helpful. Not only can it help refocus you, but you can feel a level of accountability and support here because we all understand OCD and its related beasts. 4. After picking, putting on moisturizer or first aide cream or even lightly bandaging any wounds helps remind me that damage has been done, but that I am taking steps to heal my skin and my mind. Reminders of steps forward can be helpful during the next fight. Good luck! You got this! One step at a time! 💜💪🏼
- Date posted
- 4y
this is super helpful!
- Date posted
- 4y
This is soooooo thoughtful and helpful, thank you! I especially love the part about self forgiveness. It's like I obsess over things (not just skin, I pick at wall paint etc too) not being perfectly smooth. And I'll be like no, this time I'm going to pick it off perfectly so it doesn't bleed. HA! I am so tired of bloody face! "That's when the battle is starting" - LOVE.
- Date posted
- 1y
@Notcrazy I pick at my face, wall paint, literally anything that’s not smooth. I will pick until the tips of my fingers are bloody. I don’t WANT to, and I WANT to stop, but I can’t! I CANNOT relax until whatever it is, is smooth.
- User type
- OCD Conqueror
- Date posted
- 4y
If you can afford it the Habit Aware bracelet is a great tool from what I’ve heard.
- Date posted
- 4y
Oh awesome I'll look into it, thank you!!!
- Date posted
- 4y
I definitely find playing with something in my hands helps. Like silly putty maybe or even a paper clip or a clicking pen or something.
- Date posted
- 4y
I remember I used to give the kids I worked with something like Mike's magic putty or something like that, I should get some for myself! Thanks!
- Date posted
- 3y
I also pick at my face because it is calming, but then I get upset after I get a good look at my face and am embarrassed when someone sees my sores. What can I do to stop this picking. It’s not as if I have acne, or am even a youngster. This is something I used to do years ago on my arm, but started again recently, but on my face. Is there anything I can do about this, or meds I need to take to help me?
- Date posted
- 3y
Same things for other skin picking works for face. I do it too. Work in progress. Good luck!
Related posts
- Date posted
- 25w
I’ve chewed my nails and skin around my nails since birth it feels like. My fingers look deformed, when they get water on them they get all white and puffy. almost like if you stay in a pool too long and get that weird water log on your hands. Only I put my hands in water for like 30 seconds and they puff up instantly. I believe I made it one of my OCD routines. I have to constantly check if there’s no loose skin or nails sticking out, and if there is I have to chew it off then I just don’t stop chewing until my finger is bleeding. It’s a very bad habit but it relieves my anxiety when I do it. I’m tired of my deformed, red, bloody fingers and nails it’s so embarrassing.
- User type
- OCD Conqueror
- Date posted
- 19w
Does anyone have suggestions on how to stop picking at their scalp?
- Date posted
- 11w
Hi everyone. <3 was wondering if anyone with experience dealing with excoriation/skin-picking disorder has some tips or tricks that have particularly helped them. Came to NOCD this week for help - first timer that would really like to be able to wear a tank top again 😅🫠 I did join the BFRB support group but unfortunately will be on a night shift this week when it meets . Thank you in advance ❤️
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