Hello all. I am kind of what you would call a self mutilator, but I don't cut, I pick at my skin until it bleeds. I have been doing this for about three years, I guess. I pick at areas that I know no one will see the scars/sores (like my chest, upper arms, thighs, etc.). I know why I do this, but can't seem to stop. Any suggestions? I am currently on meds for depression also.
2007-03-22 07:05:08 · 12 answers · asked by cows4me79 4 in Health ➔ Mental Health
I understand how you feel. It sounds like a disorder called dermatillomania. I have it, too.
Have you ever heard of trichotillomania? That causes people to pull out their hair. It's the same thing, except for skin.
You could try cognitive behavioral therapy, though I haven't really tried it.
Don't feel like it's your fault. Don't listen to anyone who tries to make you feel bad about it.
If you have any questions, feel free to contact me.
2007-03-23 16:04:27 · answer #1 · answered by Brundige 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Been there did that, still do in different forms. I'm a fellow nutcase.
How to quit? Gee. Tough one. I have aproblem with serial addictions. I develop a new one to get me off the last.
First thing I would recommoned is keeping your fingernails short. Clip them daily if need be. Dont let this develop into self mutilation too tho. "Short" does not mean "bleeding and skin peeling away."
Second. Find another outlet for whatever is hurting you. If self harm is your bag find a way of doing it without doing serious damage to yourself. Pulling nostil hairs worked one time for me. Dripping candle wax onto your skin works too. Clutching handfulls of ice till it feels like its burning is probably ok if you dont do it too often.
Third. The most important. Ultimately you are gonna have to get on with your life if you want to be happy. It is shitty to read this. I know. Downright annoying and frustrating and sounds so utterly holier than thou that you may have stopped by now. I'm glad if you havent. Really - you have to either deal with whatever is bothering you or learn to live in such a way that it isnt at the forefront of your mind.
Baisc intro to breaking a habit cycle/ addiction.
method 1) Go cold turkey. Invariably my last and most successful resort. Just stop. Every time you go to scratch yourself.....just think. "I love myself. I dont need to do this."
Method 2) Gradually cut back in small and reasonable steps over time. This is what I do when I have accepted that a particular behaviour is problematic but am not ready to take the cold turkey plunge.
Hope any of this is of some use.
FYI - I dont drink alcohol more than once/twice a month and I dont do drugs. I used to. I am also on happy smarties.
2007-03-22 14:35:43 · answer #2 · answered by Danny B 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Deal with the issues and it'll all clear up.
You're just picking at your skin to release pleasurable chemicals that come out as a result, lots of people do this, it's especially noticeable if you get a number of piercings at once. So in other words you're self medicating.
Find out why you're depressed, deal with it.
Also check your diet and exercise, we aren't naturally happy when we're lazy.
2007-03-22 14:15:20 · answer #3 · answered by Luis 6 · 2⤊ 0⤋
If you're on medication for depression, you are probably seeing someone who is monitoring your medication. You should talk to them about it. They may be able to tell you if it's related to the medication you're on or if it's a type of self-injury. It might be related to another underlying mental health problem that your doctor would know about.
2007-03-22 14:18:46 · answer #4 · answered by JaniesTiredShoes 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Geez, sweetie. Stop the madness already. Why would you want to do this to yourself? I REALLY want to know your reason. Your life is too precious to be going through what you're going through. Find someone to talk about your emotions whenever you are sad or angry and then maybe you won't pick at yourself.
2007-03-22 14:10:02 · answer #5 · answered by leavemebe_11 5 · 1⤊ 0⤋
I think you should see a doctor again. If you absolutely can't stop it could be Obsessive Compulsive Disorder. You definitely need to talk to someone soon.
2007-03-22 14:16:56 · answer #6 · answered by Teia 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Perhaps you also have a form of obsessive-compulsive disorder. Ask your doctor. It's possible to have more than one type of mental disorder, and saying that, it's hard for me to believe a person can only have ONE type of mental disorder. It just makes them that much more susceptible to others, I think.
2007-03-22 14:14:11 · answer #7 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 0⤋
I used to cut and bruise myself. It will get better if you're on medication, seeing a therapist and are making a conscious effort to try to stop.
2007-03-22 14:13:43 · answer #8 · answered by Michelle118 4 · 1⤊ 0⤋
I use to cut. I started talking to my preacher. Please stop hurting yourself. try to resolve what you can about the reasons that you self mutilate. I did it to get attention because I felt like no one cared. Remember the Lord loves you and he doesn't want you to hurt his temple because your body is his temple.
2007-03-26 09:13:31 · answer #9 · answered by Carol 1 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I suggest prayer! Let me start you out...Dear Father in Heaven, Thank you for all the blessing that you have given us. Please help this girl to be able to deal with and get past what is hurting her. Show youself to her. Please Lord wrap your arms around her and let her feel peace. The peace only you can offer. Now that she is reaching out Lord, I ask that you put others in her path that can help her. In Jesus name, Amen.
Now you start praying and I will continue to pray and you will see GOD will change things. When you see change, e-mail me! Good Luck honey!
2007-03-22 14:16:18 · answer #10 · answered by brandi from texas 4 · 1⤊ 2⤋