yes, i actually just started.

i cut for months, then i stopped for months, and i didnt wanna give into the urges but i found myself just scratching at my arms.
i didnt know if anybody else really did this that much or if it was just very uncommon

I've done it occasionally.
It's not good for you. I know you know that.
It's best to try and stop. It's not easy, but worth it. We're all here to support you.

I started out scratching and that lead to harsher practices... it's just a different kind of "high" for me. I had scars on my leg for almost 2yrs b/c of scratching- I don't do it as often anymore... only if I don't have anything else and the urge overcomes me.

I have done it in the past and sometime catch myself doing it without knowing. But mostly I cut. You aren't alone on this one.

ya, thats how i started but it doesnt work anymore.

I have been sratching and picking for years... The first time I ever got in trouble with my family for this one I was was about 5 years old... I remember sitting in my room scratching my arms and legs until they bled... Then trying so hard to make it stop bleeding so I wouldn't get in trouble... I am 22 almost 23 now and I will scratch inoccently and get a big slap accross the arm from my family... I hate it I wish they would leave me alone sometimes... Its like the things they should notice (The huge scars on my arms from cutting) they don't notice but other things they won't leave me alone about... So yes Smash this is definately something that people on here are dealing with... And keep in mind that for a lot of people its what they did before they knew or could cut...

Yup I scratch when I'm in a situation where I can't cut. Like sitting in a classroom or feeling really stressed. I find they're easier to explain or lie about, cos it just looks like you fell over or scraped yourself. And they do cane like a bitch

yes thats all i used to do but the scars i was left with were horrible. i actually burn and cut it is better for me but it is different for everyone what type of si they choose to use.

Yes, I scratch sometimes when I'm laying in bed.

i do lot it feels good and instead of cutting ido it sometimes.
i mainly do it when stressed out and stuff. dont feel like your alone cause your not!
*Hugs*

Hey, I've been a scratcher for almost 10 years now. Drs like to tell me this is Excema, and have put me on many differnt topical creams, etc to get rid of the symptoms.

I'm just starting to understand that scratching is a form of self injury, and that it is not a symptom of a physical ailment, but something I need to look at internally.

Any tips or tricks that you use to get your mind off scratching, picking, popping? My body is getting worst looking every day...

Wear mittens and gloves at all times possible in your day.

Make sure to make concious effort to stop. If you see yourself doing it, don't just say, "Ohp, there I go again." Ask yourself "What am I feeling right now?" DON'T ask "Why" 'cause we'll never figure out why we do such a thing probably. But "What" is easier to handle. Evaluate your reply, if it's anger, perhaps telling a person why you're upset with him/her, work, whatever. If the answer is sadness, do something that makes you happy. If it's lonely, call a friend.

Write out emotions you find as triggers. Write at least three action plans to do that are positive and easy. Keep this list with you always.

Maybe get some fake tattoos so it's easier to notice when you start doing so.

If you talking about popping zits, I have the same issue lol embarrassing. I also pop any ingrown hairs on my legs. When I'm doing it, I have to pull my concious thought to the full frontal part of my brain and say, "LOOK at what you are doing. KNOW this is bad. DO something else."

I don't like scratching. I mean, I do, I do it when I'm extremly anxious, usually in public settings, right on my wrists. Last Wednesday I was able to catch myself and tried to just hold my hands together. Tight. I went and rubbed my wrist anyway, but thought, "No, no, no no no, think of something, anything." Mind you, during this walk I was thinking people were watching me/following me/etc paranoia crap. I made myself count my steps as well as not hit any cracks in the sidewalk. It quieted the thoughts, though they did not disappear, but having that distraction put them into a managable area of my mind and I made it to a less busy part of town.

The frustrating thing about that day was it was clear that I'm the only one that can help me. My sister was not there. I did the typical shopping trick, and that didn't even work (but I did score a sweet Beatles shirt). I even went down to where I do drug counceling and let them know how bad I was feeling but I was only there for a test, so they didn't bother to inquire if I needed anything. When I got home, I went over how WELL I did that day. I cashed my check, I budgeted, I took care of old bills and fines. OHHH and I did REALLY well considering my phone was shut off that day from backpayments. So I was EXTRA panicky LOL So when I made it home I realized that I pretty much kicked ass, and I *finally* relaxed a bit.

Fizzuck I'm rambling.

Hope that helps, I'll try to think of more. Scratching is definitely different from cutting so it needs it's own prevention plan.

Good luck!

yup that's how i started, when i was a kid. i can control the urge to cut because it requires getting out my tools but when i need to scratch or feel really sick and spazztic i can't control it.

i mostly cut but when im in situations when i cant without a big risk of getting caught like in school i scratch x

Yep. I did it once so bad, I needed stitches. That's the first time my parents ever saw what I had done. It freaked my mom out bad. It was all up and down my right arm...hard to cover it up.