Obsessive Compulsive Disorder (OCD) Support Group
Obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD) is a psychiatric disorder, more specifically, an anxiety disorder. OCD is manifested in a variety of forms, but is most commonly characterized by a subject's obsessive (repetitive, distressing, intrusive) thoughts and related compulsions (tasks or rituals) which attempt to neutralize the obsessions.
i've had this problem for a long time, but i've only been talking about it in therapy for a few months.....what i do if i pick the bottom of my feet...i don't even realize i do it until i start bleeding.....it's kind of lot a dissociate state when i do it.....like i see myself pick up the nail clippers and go at my feet, but i can't seem to bring myself to put them down.....i was doing really well and i was able to stop for awhile....but as i stopped doing THAT i started attacking my fingers...it's one of the other....i'll pick the heels until they bleed or pick my cuticles and the nail beds of my thumbs and the knuckles of my fingers and i'll cut those with nail clippers......again, it's like a dissociated state......like i can't stop.....i'm trying, but i'm getting a little worried....when i pick my heels so much it hurts to walk, but i can't keep picking my fingers because i'm a sign language interpreter and i don't want my fingers to look so awful....i'd use that as motivation if i felt like i could stop it....my therapist said to try and pinpoint when it happens and what i'm doing what it happens....it happens at night when i'm usually relaxing.....i'm rambling now....sorry....anyone have any ideas on how to get out of a dissociative state??? i've NEVER been in one before so this is all new for me......and anyone have ideas on how to stop this??
first of all please don't apologize...you weren't rambling,just simply expressing something you desperatley need help with....
have you looked into,or discussed DBT (Dialectal Behavioral Therapy) with your therapist?
some of the techniques this kind of therapy suggests have been helpful for me.....
such as,if you find yourslef in the middle of a dissociate state,do anything healthy and self nurtering you can to come out of it.....
one thing that has always helped me in the past,whether i am in a dissociative state,or extremely distressed is to hold a piece of ice in my hand.....
make sure you put a cloth around it,so that it is not painful,but just try to focus yourself on the sensation.....
for me,it has also helped to hold a stone on my hand,and again,to really focus on how the stone feels....it works well for me if it is a nice smooth stone.....
i am still struggling with dermatillomania,but i have found the more i take care of my feet,with taking a pumice stone to remove the calluses,then a buffer and a really nice smelling lotion (scents you like can also be very grounding) on them,right after a shower or a bath has helped a lot.....
i must admit that biting my nails and picking at my fingers has been a real struggle to overcome,but for now i am really focusing on my feet......
it would also probably be a good idea to get rid of your nail clippers if you can....i worry that you could develop an infection....
but,i guess (i'm sorry) i have lost focus a bit on your question here...
maybe my suggestions will help,and again,maybe you could read about and discuss with your therapist some techniques which DBT sugggests to help you get out of that scary dissociative state...
please do anything you can to take care of yourself,journalling each day has helped me explore my feelings,and finding any way i can to nurture myself and ground myself helps so much......
forgive me if this hasn't really helped,and please know i can relate to your struggle,and in no way do i want to minimize it.....
if you need extra support around this you are welcome to send me a message if you feel you need to and feel comfortable to do so...i may not have the best advice,but i can be an ear in the least of things....
sending you peace and empathy...
that is so great that you have been able to apply the skills you learned in your DBT groups to your life...you should be really proud of yourself for that!
and i think going back into your notes and books from that group would be a good idea,i'm sure the skills would help you with what you are struggling with right now....
if you try the ice technique,i do hope it helps!