I spend a ton of time picking at my face every time I see a mirror. Sometimes I can sit there for almost an hour, and by the time I'm done I can look like a burn victim bc my face is so irritated. I just now, at 3:30am, got done doing this for 30 minutes, and now I have anxiety. Does this have to do with my OCD, and does anyone else experience this???

I'd really appreciate hearing your tips, thank you :)

@l9sling 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! 💜💪🏼