I am absolutly unable to keep myself from popping every pimple, squeezing every blackhead and every visible pore. I have tried and tried, but I cannot go a day without doing it. I know (and have visible proof) that it only makes it worse: I create pimples out of regular pores, and I have scars from pimples that I made bleed and couldn't leave alone.
When I was younger I saw my mother doing this in the mirror in the bathroom--now I do it. She is diagnosed with depression and is on medication for it.
Is it possible that I have a psychological problem that is manifesting in this way? I hate to think that I just don't have will power--I do have will power: I run every day, I eat well, I do well in school. But this is too much for me!
Please help, it's very embarrassing and I don't know who to talk to or if I can handle it myself. If it helps, I'm a 22 y/o woman and I don't think I have an actual acne problem.
2007-08-22 18:37:02 · 5 answers · asked by Anonymous in Health ➔ Mental Health
My thoughts consider the "picking and popping" to be more like the "cutter", where the intensity of the feeling seems to be the controller of the situation. There is the factor of "removing the unnamed evil from the body", which may or may not be the actual contents of the zit.
On another vein, consider seeing the family Dr. He can prescribe a low-dose hormone that will clear-up most of your facial problems. It's much more effective than any cream or treatment.
Back to the popping / like cutting.........speak to your Dr or a counselor about this too. Yes, it's embarassing, but swallow the pride. Resolve this NOW while it's at a simpler stage. If you don't you may move on to "cutting" or another form of self-abuse. Your problem isn't on your face as much as it's in your head.
2007-08-22 19:29:14 · answer #1 · answered by Hope 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I feel for you...I really do. I have had the same affliction for many years now, how it began and why...I don't know. I just got through "combing" my body for every possible bump on every inch of skin for over 2 hours. Now I am sore and swollen and hideous. I notice I do it more when I am alone and have too much down time. I should not be left alone with my thoughts. I am also MDD with severe anxiety as well and was just put on Celexa. I hope it helps but it has only been a week so it is too early to notice any change. I wish I had some advice to offer, but since I am not progressing positively yet...I cant. I'm sorry, but just know that there are others suffering as you are and if you ever need to talk...just holler!
2016-05-20 07:01:39 · answer #2 · answered by lovie 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
OCD is very much like depression, probably has a similar root cause. Try substituting another activity every time you have the urge to squeeze. Good luck.
2007-08-22 18:47:46 · answer #3 · answered by sunshine&smiles 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
why don't you make a doctors appointment and see a professional that way you can really find out if you have a problem and get medication for it but as a normal person with out a phd i would say yes i think you have a psychological problem but thats just MY guess see a doctor....
2007-08-22 18:50:07 · answer #4 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
I have the same problem. I see all these blemishes and potential blemishes and it just bothers the crap outta me. I feel like I just have to get that crap outta my skin. With willpower I have lessened the frequencty of this bad habit by alot.
2007-08-22 23:52:36 · answer #5 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋