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.
Hey everyone,
I've been on daily strength for a while, but only joined this OCD support group yesterday. I was watching tv a few days ago and I saw an interview with a woman suffering from dermatillomania, and I'd never heard of it before - but watching it I realised that it seems to describe me pretty well!
I'm 19, and as a teenager I always picked at my spots. but in the past few years this has intensified. I've been diagnosed with anxiety and depression recently, and I've read that this can sometimes lead to dermatillomania or OCD? Anyway, for the past year or so, I've been picking at my skin, spots, and ingrown hairs every day, more so the skin on my face. Sometimes I'll even do it until it bleeds, scabs, or leaves scars, but then I always end up picking the scabs off and the whole thing just starts all over again. (Apologies if this sounds really gross by the way, I'm trying not to go into too much detail!) Even if there are just tiny, barely visible bumps in the skin on my face I pick and pick at it until its sore. When I'm doing it, its as if I'm in a trance. I feel so guilty and hate myself afterwards, but it doesn't stop me doing it. I'm so self conscious now as my face is covered in bumps, scars, and spots. I want to stop but I really, honestly can't.
Can anyone give me any advice on this, or at least tell me that I'm not the only one? Sorry if this is the wrong group to post this in as well, I'm just not sure where to go with this - I've always felt like a freak for doing this, it would be a massive comfort to know I'm not completely alone.
Thanks guys X
I've been on daily strength for a while, but only joined this OCD support group yesterday. I was watching tv a few days ago and I saw an interview with a woman suffering from dermatillomania, and I'd never heard of it before - but watching it I realised that it seems to describe me pretty well!
I'm 19, and as a teenager I always picked at my spots. but in the past few years this has intensified. I've been diagnosed with anxiety and depression recently, and I've read that this can sometimes lead to dermatillomania or OCD? Anyway, for the past year or so, I've been picking at my skin, spots, and ingrown hairs every day, more so the skin on my face. Sometimes I'll even do it until it bleeds, scabs, or leaves scars, but then I always end up picking the scabs off and the whole thing just starts all over again. (Apologies if this sounds really gross by the way, I'm trying not to go into too much detail!) Even if there are just tiny, barely visible bumps in the skin on my face I pick and pick at it until its sore. When I'm doing it, its as if I'm in a trance. I feel so guilty and hate myself afterwards, but it doesn't stop me doing it. I'm so self conscious now as my face is covered in bumps, scars, and spots. I want to stop but I really, honestly can't.
Can anyone give me any advice on this, or at least tell me that I'm not the only one? Sorry if this is the wrong group to post this in as well, I'm just not sure where to go with this - I've always felt like a freak for doing this, it would be a massive comfort to know I'm not completely alone.
Thanks guys X
Maybe talk to a counselor or figure out ways of recognizing when you are doing it and maybe explore the feelings leading to that. You know, same old "keep a journal and find the answer" thing.
Best of luck!