Self-Injury Support Group

Whether you or someone you know or love struggles with self-injury, this is the community to discuss your experience, find support, meet others going through the same, and get advice on how to stop. Working together, we can help find alternative coping skills to reduce the urge to self-harm.

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xBlissx 10/26/2008

Is this really considered a form of SI? I haven't cut for about 2 months now...not sure exactly how long. But I've been getting very strong urges to recently.

BUT I skin pick almost constantly when I'm alone. Sometimes I don't realise I'm doing it. It's become a habit but I didn't see it as a form of self harm?

x-Bliss-x

deleted_user 10/26/2008

According to my therapist and pretty much all sources I have looked at... Yep.. It's a form of Self injury. I think because you are constantly picking things like scabs, and not allowing them to heal right away.

deleted_user 10/26/2008

Yes it is definately self injury. I do it too. It is a real problem for me. I panic if I get a scratch or sore of any kind on my arms because I can't leave them alone. I have to keep them covered. 2 years ago I got stinging nettles on my arm and it took a full year for them to heal. I just couldn't leave them alone. It's bad.

deleted_user 10/27/2008

I am so thankful you asked. I saw your message on the profile of one of the others who replied to you (I was following one of their posts from elsewhere) and I followed it to this site.
Yes picking is self injury and definitely a form of self mutilation as it leaves ugly scars and while the scabs are still coming and going looks gross to people. I have had people ask me what disease I have because my arms and legs are just a mass of scars, half-healed places, scabs and open sores. In the cold weather I can wear long sleeves and pants but in the summer I break down and wear skirts or short sleeves. I dissociate so I don't even know I do it and am usually oblivious. But there is a lot of deep shame associated with it...like picking one's nose for example. I never admitted to it until a year ago. Now my therapist asks me how it is going and it has been added to my list of things I am powerless over so that I can come to (become aware that I do it constantly), and then come to believe (that some power can help me stop because that power is greater than me and my urges)...sigh...I believe in Jesus as my savior and I haven't even asked Him to help me stop because I just can't get it that it is bad for me. I mean, I know it could lead to infections (often does) that could get out of control (my doctor was afraid I'd get MRSA for example. But I just don't seem to "hit bottom" cuz I accept that I am uglified already and nothing can be done about that.

deleted_user 10/27/2008

its definetly self harm im known to pick as well

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