Post by bondas on Feb 27, 2003 2:10:35 GMT -5
Hi everyone - before I post tips I'll just give you a bit of background on me. I'm 28, have been picking for about 15 yrs. I pick my fingers - as in cuticles and around my nails. I don't bite or pick my nails. I've never been diagnosed with any illness or depression. I weaned (sp?) myself down to picking just my thumbs, but that's bad coz I concentrated on demolishing the 2 of them. About 3 weeks ago, I decided to STOP. I haven't picked in all that time, and my thumbs are beginning to look normal. My fingers look good.
Here's some tips I've found useful:
1) When a passenger in a car, place one hand on each knee (where everyone can see them). Spray your fingers apart to detract from picking.
2) When watching TV, either put your arms behind your head or on your head. If you get tired of that, place a hand on each knee (esp when in the company of ppl)
3) The internet is good - typing or using the mouse keeps your hands occupied.
4) Playstation2 or X-box (etc) are EXCELLENT because not only are your fingers busy on the controllers, but your mind is distracted too.
5) THROW OUT ALL harmful equipment - ie, tweezers, nail scissors, pins, needles - anything that you use to pick with.
6) Use moisturiser if you want to pick. It makes your skin softer and gives you something to do.
7) I carry something around with me to 'play' with if I'm at uni or waiting etc...like a stress ball, or even a pen. I've found that flicking the lid of a pen helps me to stop picking.
8) Remember that it's going to take time - there's no such thing as an 'overnight success' - especially if you've been picking for years.
9) When in the company of people, ALWAYS have your hands where everyone can see them - even if you're embarrassed. If everyone can see your hands, you won't pick.
10) Keep your nails trimmed really short so there's nothing to help you pick.
Other people's suggestions:
1) liquid band-aid is supposed to be good. I haven't tried it personally.
2) False nails - you won't be able to pick. Again I haven't tried it, but it may work for you!
3) Wear a rubber band around your wrist and snap it every time you pick.
I hope some of these suggestions help you. I know that if I can do it, anyone can. I also waited until there was a morning when they didn't look too red and raw before I started to stop.
Good luck!
~bondas
Here's some tips I've found useful:
1) When a passenger in a car, place one hand on each knee (where everyone can see them). Spray your fingers apart to detract from picking.
2) When watching TV, either put your arms behind your head or on your head. If you get tired of that, place a hand on each knee (esp when in the company of ppl)
3) The internet is good - typing or using the mouse keeps your hands occupied.
4) Playstation2 or X-box (etc) are EXCELLENT because not only are your fingers busy on the controllers, but your mind is distracted too.
5) THROW OUT ALL harmful equipment - ie, tweezers, nail scissors, pins, needles - anything that you use to pick with.
6) Use moisturiser if you want to pick. It makes your skin softer and gives you something to do.
7) I carry something around with me to 'play' with if I'm at uni or waiting etc...like a stress ball, or even a pen. I've found that flicking the lid of a pen helps me to stop picking.
8) Remember that it's going to take time - there's no such thing as an 'overnight success' - especially if you've been picking for years.
9) When in the company of people, ALWAYS have your hands where everyone can see them - even if you're embarrassed. If everyone can see your hands, you won't pick.
10) Keep your nails trimmed really short so there's nothing to help you pick.
Other people's suggestions:
1) liquid band-aid is supposed to be good. I haven't tried it personally.
2) False nails - you won't be able to pick. Again I haven't tried it, but it may work for you!
3) Wear a rubber band around your wrist and snap it every time you pick.
I hope some of these suggestions help you. I know that if I can do it, anyone can. I also waited until there was a morning when they didn't look too red and raw before I started to stop.
Good luck!
~bondas
