Post by e on May 27, 2003 21:40:10 GMT -5
Hi everyone, what a great site! I've been a skin picker for 18 years, and i've only just found out that my problem has a name and a worldwide support group! I'm on my 3rd serious attempt to stop. Maybe 3 will be a charm. Now that i know the name and nature of my problem, i feel way more hopeful.
I really like the suggestions you all have made on how to quit. I'm probably going to try all of them! Here are couple unusual ones that might help some of you.
1) I read somewhere about using visualization to control acne. You imagine yourself standing in a sunny field or beach) and reaching your arms up to the sky. Imagine capturing the sun's rays in your fingertips and turning them towards your face. Visualize scrubbing and massaging your skin with the rays. Do it for as long as you like. Breathe deeply while doing it. Do it whenever you feel the urge to pick.
2) Take a trip to any stunningly beautiful remote place where mirrors (and showers) are scarce. Sleep in a tent, don't shower for days at a time, don't wear makeup, forget about what you look like, hang out with people who have much less than you do and are much happier. It's a fabulous way to get over your self-image and gain perspective on what's important. I went to Patagonia, Chile for 2 weeks in 2000, and the trip was so fun and rewarding that I forgot about my urge to pick after only a couple days. By the time I returned home, I was out of the habit of picking at my skin. I didn't pick again for 2 months and my skin looked great (what sadness and frustration when I started again). Maybe a trip like this can jumpstart your effort to quit.
My best wishes to all of you!
xoxo
e.
I really like the suggestions you all have made on how to quit. I'm probably going to try all of them! Here are couple unusual ones that might help some of you.
1) I read somewhere about using visualization to control acne. You imagine yourself standing in a sunny field or beach) and reaching your arms up to the sky. Imagine capturing the sun's rays in your fingertips and turning them towards your face. Visualize scrubbing and massaging your skin with the rays. Do it for as long as you like. Breathe deeply while doing it. Do it whenever you feel the urge to pick.
2) Take a trip to any stunningly beautiful remote place where mirrors (and showers) are scarce. Sleep in a tent, don't shower for days at a time, don't wear makeup, forget about what you look like, hang out with people who have much less than you do and are much happier. It's a fabulous way to get over your self-image and gain perspective on what's important. I went to Patagonia, Chile for 2 weeks in 2000, and the trip was so fun and rewarding that I forgot about my urge to pick after only a couple days. By the time I returned home, I was out of the habit of picking at my skin. I didn't pick again for 2 months and my skin looked great (what sadness and frustration when I started again). Maybe a trip like this can jumpstart your effort to quit.
My best wishes to all of you!
xoxo
e.
