finally making an appointment with my doctor

[Mallory]

Hi Guys, I am new to this board. I have a question...my cuticle/finger picking has gotten very bad, and I have finally gotten to the point where I want to go the doctor for it. My mother said she will take me. Now, I was wondering what, if anything, a doc can do for me. I mean, I am conscious of my picking usually, but if I see something wrong with my skin, if I have to pick it to fix it. So, I do not really think of it as anything like OCD, but maybe I am wrong. Anyway, I am hoping my doctor can help me..I am so scared to go as well, since what I do embarasses me. If anyone knows what I should expect, or what kind of medications might be prescribed, I would love to know. Thanks a lot.

[downtimeheals]

Hi...I just wanted to say that I think you're doing the right thing by going to a doctor...anytime a potentially compulsive behavior is getting you down or in ANY WAY interfering with the quality of your life or happiness, it always makes sense to start taking action on your own behalf. Whether that means doing research or talking to a doctor or therapist or trusted friend, or all of the above...you're the one who can start to make the healing happen by doing whatever it takes to get the assistance you need to know more and feel better. Bravo! You should pat yourself on the back for taking a crucial step to take care of yourself. It takes great bravery to step forward on your own behalf sometimes, and you're doing it!

As for what the doctor might say or recommend or prescribe, I think the most important thing when seeing someone new or talking to someone about something you've never talked to them about, is to make sure they're someone you LIKE talking to. You want medical professionals/counselors/etc. that YOU FEEL GOOD ABOUT GOING TO. That's the number one priority. THEN consider and research treatment options they recommend. And feel free to check back with the board about anything you're wondering about...there's always TONS of info on the internet about different meds and treatment approaches