'Lo! I'm a newbie.

[shannonf27]

Howdy.

My name is Shannon. I've actually read this forum quite a bit over the last year, but yet I never joined. I think now is a good time.

I've been compulsively picking my face for a few years now, I can't recall when it started, or how it started.

I'm actively (for the first time) trying to quit. I have what I like to call 'Sprinter' motivation. It's fast, it's furious, and it gets tired awfully quick.
I need to somehow acquire a 'marathon' mentality, and stick to this for the long haul.

Anyway, I am inspired by all of you, and I hope to continue reading your stories while I am on my way to quitting. I've made it about 4 hours now without picking, whereas yesterday, I literally could not make it 4 minutes.

This will be the only time I will be SO damn proud to be called a quitter! :-)

Thanks guys!

[moon]

Welcome! and good for you! I have been a successful "quitter" for about a year and a half now (with the occasional small pick which I can control). I could not have done it without 400mgs a day of Seroquel. I know I will probably be on this drug forever because when I had to wean of the drug for gastric bypass surgery last year, I had a terrible pickfest, but as soon as I was back on the Seroquel, I stopped picking. Please I am pleading with all of you, if you are on some type of medication for your Impulse Control Disorder/Obsessive Compulsive Disorder and the drugs are NOT working, then stop taking them and try Seroquel! It saved my life! *BIG HUGS TO ALL*

moon

[shannonf27]

Thanks for the welcome! :-)

If I can't seem to do this on my own, I may consider chemical assistance too. But, I'd *like* to think that I can do it on my own. (however foolish that may be)

Congrats on both your surgery, and successfully quitting!
- shannon

[tlp11]

Welcome. I just joined this board a couple of days ago. I, too, need to adopt the marathon mentality for my kids' sake. Because of suggestions from other members, I am now on my second day of no picking. This does not seem to be that big of deal to me since once before I quit picking for 21 days. But, any day without picking/biting is a GOOD DAY!!

I have been biting/picking my lips/mouth ever since I can remember and also pick at my arms and thighs. I do have minor scarring on my upper arms. I used to bit my nails, yet was able to quit on my own 10 yrs. So I have hope that I can quit this on my own as well. I don't like the idea of medications, but have considered it as a last resort.

I wish you the very best. Take it minute by minute.

-tlp11-

[shannonf27]

tlp11, I'm not sure if this is replying to you, as I wanted to. Being a newbie, this forum is set up a bit weird :-)

Anyway, Congrats to you, on the accomplishments already!

I am an avid nail biter also. But it's not nearly as damaging to my appearance, and my self-esteem as the face picking is. . . so it's a feat to overcome after this one! :-)

I'm sure my coworkers are going mad from my incessant clicking of the highlighter pen I have been fiddling with to occupy my left hand (so as to keep it from my face! )
This'll all be worth it, when I have a new face!
- Shannon