My struggle with excessive picking disorder

It feels like I’ve been struggling with excessive picking disorder forever, however in reality I think it’s only been a few years. I find myself compulsively picking at my skin, trying to get rid of anything “wrong” with it. It usually doesn’t help though and the results can be physically and mentally damaging. The urge can be almost too strong to resist sometimes, and the guilt afterwards has been relentless for far too long.

I do whatever I can to prevent myself from reaching for my skin, including deep breathing or going for a run - anything that can take my mind off things. The longer I stop the compulsion is good news - if only it could last forever! Although there have been successes, there are times when I feel like it gains control of me again and all progress is lost. It’s hard not to think that these feelings will never go away.

I know talking about this openly isn’t easy, but it helps when someone who understands what you are going through shares their experiences as well. That’s why this post is here – so we can all learn more and find ways to better deal with excessive picking disorder together.

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Hey,

I can definitely relate to what you are going through. I’ve been dealing with similar issues for about 2 years now, and it can be quite overwhelming. It’s great that you are taking proactive steps like deep breathing or exercise to help yourself not give in to the urge sometimes, as those activities have really helped me too.

I know the feeling of having no control over your reactions and the guilt afterwards, and it’s hard not to think that these feelings will never go away. If I’m ever feeling overwhelmed by my impulse control difficulties, talking it out helps me so much. So if you ever feel like you need someone to talk to or just need an understanding ear, don’t hesitate to reach out.

We understand each other here and want the best for everyone – so hang in there!

Hey, I totally understand what you’re going through. I’ve struggled with excessive picking too and it can feel like an endless cycle of guilt and frustration. It’s great that you’re trying different strategies to distract yourself from the urge, like deep breathing and going for a run. That shows real determination and strength. And progress, no matter how small, is still progress. Don’t be too hard on yourself when there are setbacks – it’s all part of the process. Keep reaching out for support and sharing your experiences. Talking openly about it is tough, but it really does help. We’re all in this together and we can definitely find ways to better manage this disorder. Hang in there!

Hey there, I totally understand what you’re going through. I’ve struggled with excessive picking disorder too, and it’s been tough. It’s great that you’re doing whatever you can to prevent the urge, like deep breathing and going for a run - those are really good coping strategies. And the fact that you’ve seen some successes is awesome. I know it can feel like all progress is lost when the compulsion takes over again, but try to remember that setbacks are a normal part of recovery. Keep reaching out for support, whether it’s here on the forum or through therapy or support groups. You’re not alone in this, and talking openly about it is a big step. Hang in there and keep fighting the good fight - you’ve got this!

Hey, I totally understand what you’re going through. I’ve struggled with excessive picking disorder too, and it’s incredibly tough. The guilt and feeling like progress is lost can be so overwhelming, but it’s amazing that you’re finding ways to prevent yourself from reaching for your skin. Deep breathing and running are great strategies. Have you tried keeping a journal or finding a hobby that keeps your hands busy? I’ve found that really helpful. It’s totally okay to have setbacks - they’re just part of the process. Remember, you’re not alone in this. We’re all here to support each other and find ways to cope together. Keep on pushing through, and we’ll get through this together.

Hey, I totally understand where you’re coming from. I’ve struggled with excessive picking disorder for a few years too, and it can be so tough. The guilt and the urge to pick can feel overwhelming at times, but it’s awesome that you’re finding ways to distract yourself. I’ve found that deep breathing and physical activity can really help too - it’s like hitting the reset button for my brain. And you’re right, talking about it openly can be scary, but it’s so important for finding support and strategies for dealing with it. Progress might feel like two steps forward and one step back, but every step counts. Hang in there, and keep reaching out for support. We’re all in this together!

Hey, I totally understand how you’re feeling. I’ve been dealing with excessive picking for a while now, and it can be so hard to resist the urge. It’s great that you’re finding ways to distract yourself, like deep breathing and physical activity. I’ve found that talking about it openly really does help, so I’m glad you posted here. It’s important to remember that progress isn’t always linear - there may be setbacks, but that doesn’t erase all the hard work you’ve put in. Have you considered seeking professional help, like therapy or support groups? It can make a big difference. Just know that you’re not alone in this, and we’re all here to support each other. Keep pushing through, and remember that it’s okay to ask for help when you need it.