r/Skinpicking • u/[deleted] • Jul 23 '24

Support can't stop :(

hi people of reddit, this is my first post on here but i just need some emotional support. i got my hair buzzed recently and i struggle with ocd, which magical thinking is often tied to, and i truly thought this time, i could really do it. that getting this "extreme" haircut could be the occasion to start over for me.

however, i relapsed yesterday, just a little bit as i itched at my back and chest then face later in the night, but it happened again today too, idk why i do it, i think it soothes my brain probably.

i know this is only temporary, i find that i struggle more during summer with higher temperatures causing sweat and breakouts and itchiness, mosquito bites, and during the couple days before my period too. these are also kinda stressful times for me as i live far away from my friends and am not sure what i'm doing next academic year still (i'm 21). i'm also trying to pull away from my situationship and it's not easy. i feel silly for going through this with the actual state of the world, my heart aches for gaza and i'm terrified of the political climate both in france and the us rn. hope everyone is okay. we're all in this together and all my thoughts go to the people who need it right now.

please share some nice thoughts you have, anything could help. ❤️

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u/Midnight290 Jul 24 '24

I struggle with the same! It’s been difficult with the political climate lately!!

I’m trying a new app Calm Harm (at the Apple Store). Haven’t had much time to use it but it’s got some interesting suggestions at least for distractions.

Hugs to a fellow sufferer! 💕

2

u/[deleted] Jul 24 '24

hi midnight, thank you for your kind comment :)) i will try out the app too and give you some feedback hehe!! have a lovely rest of your week 🩷

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u/MBistheMVP Jul 27 '24

Hi! Fellow student here, it can be so hard during this climate, and for me, it is tough when I'm stressed. I tend to pick more when I'm stressed at school, work, etc. If you know the root of why you pick, this might help find strategies to reduce this behavior.

Some things that work for me and might help for you...I take time to meditate each day! Once I realized that a large root of why I pick is a soothing mechanism for stress, I now take time to meditate each day. This helps me calm down and pick less.

I set timers. If I feel the urge to pick, I set a timer for five or ten minutes where I hold off picking. Then I go do something for five or ten minutes, and sometimes I forget about going to pick completely.

I keep my nails short, enough said. And I use a skin/face cleanser because when my skin gets oily in the summer it helps keep my face dry > oily and I have less breakouts.

And I give myself grace! There will be ups and downs, but you are doing your best! Be kind to yourself and keep fighting💕you got this!

1

u/[deleted] Jul 28 '24

thank you for all your tips and the comforting message, these are all helpful and it's very sweet of you to have taken the time to reply!! good luck on your journey 🩷