My question is half mental problem, half skin problem. I suffer from an Obsessive Compulsive Disorder?
auroras asked:
called “Neurotic Excoriations”. I constantly scratch and pick at my skin. I have done this my entire life. It seems now it is way out of control. Could I be hypnotized into not behaving this way anymore? There are medications for everything now, even gambling. Why can’t there be a medication for me to stop tearing myself apart?
called “Neurotic Excoriations”. I constantly scratch and pick at my skin. I have done this my entire life. It seems now it is way out of control. Could I be hypnotized into not behaving this way anymore? There are medications for everything now, even gambling. Why can’t there be a medication for me to stop tearing myself apart?
I don’t know. Don’t ask us, ask a doctor. You need more serious help than ‘hypnotizing’, but I’m sure they can figure out a way. fmylife
I have this too so I know how distressing it can be. I have scars on my face and arms which I’m really embarrassed by, but I can’t seem to stop. People without this disorder (which is sometimes called Dermatillomania) are often quick to judge, but it is recognized by psychiatrists as a serious and sometimes debilitating condition. Here’s the Wikipedia page on it - .
From what I’ve read, hypnosis can be helpful, but there are many other things you could try (either alone or with guidance from a therapist):
* Trying to identify the situations and emotions that trigger the skin-picking and finding other ways to deal with these triggers (such as relaxation and breathing exercises, listening to music, distracting yourself).
* Keeping a journal of when it happens and how you were feeling at that time/what the circumstances were. You might find that it mostly happens when you’re alone or looking in a mirror, or when you’re bored.
* Making it physically harder to pick - cut your fingernails really short or wear gloves (the glove idea might seem a bit extreme, but it can help if you tend to pick unconsciously).
* Finding activities to occupy your hands such as knitting, playing video games, squeezing a stress ball etc.
There are some medications that are used to treat this condition, such as SSRI antidepressants and other drugs used to treat OCD. I’m not sure which exact ones, but a psychiatrist or general practitioner would be able to tell you.
I’m so sorry you suffer from this, and I wish you all the best in finding help. Anguisette
Greetings. Hypnotism isn’t having good results.
Have you considered getting your nails filed down?
When these things “go out of control” it’s usually because the person is under a great deal of stress and worry. There is usually a triggering factor.
The best “medication” is to work on your negative emotions and self-destructive behaviors through talk therapy. Maybe explore your past, talk about childhood trauma and deep seated fears. Talking helps rid yourself of unconscious distressing situations along with the guilt and shame that have followed you for too long. Be especially good to yourself during this time.
You have the power to heal yourself, we all do, with God’s help and some courage and fortitude. Healing is slow and comes over a period of time. Sometimes there are great leaps and profound changes are made in your personality; consider living guilt and shame free, you will never hurt yourself again. Jody