Greetings!

[vampiress]

Hello all! I am a new member here, but I recently stumbled upon this site and am obsessed (pun intended). I have been compulsively picking for 15 years. I have had periods lasting months when I felt no urge to pick, but I usually was replacing the picking with another self-destructive behavior. I have already learned so much from all the posts. Because of you all, I started keeping a daily (often twice daily) log of all my urges and picking fits. I have been in therapy on and off since I was a teenager. I am currently in therapy and on Lithium for depression and I just started R-- (I'm blanking on the name and am not near my prescriptions) for the picking (I'll keep you posted as to its success). I am ready to closely monitor myself, to be forgiving but ever watchful of potential urges/triggers/stressors. Anyway, I just wanted to say thank you all already, and to tell you where I'm coming from. I knew that there were a lot of us out there, but I'm still shocked at the sheer numbers. It worries me that this disease isn't out in the open, and I suspect it is because of the "ugly" nature of picking. How can we get help as a group unless our problem is heard? One thing I read recently in an article is the ability to redefine what it means to be "cured" of picking. I think we all fantasize about waking up one morning and never feeling the urge to pick again. Well this sets us up for inevitable failure, despair, hopelessness, and deepening depression. But what if we were to have a more gradual, less instantaneous (more realistic) view of our recovery? What if recovery was not defined by the absence of urges? How we each choose to construct it individually through a combination of advice, medication, therapy, and trial-and-error, is what's important. A question: is anyone here in or around New York City? Just wondering.
Take care everyone and know that I carry you around like a worry stone in my hand! --Vamp

[kathy kathy]

Hey Vampiress,

WELCOME! glad you decided to sign up and join us. Hope you find much support here.

Kathy

[al]

welcome from someone who has conquered alot but still needs support!!! xoxoxoxoxoxoox

[Carree]

Hello Vampiress-

Welcome to this board!! It has really been an eye-opener for me, I thought I was the only one with this crazy skin-picking thing!! Now I know I am not alone. I have many people who are very supportive, they have helped me tremendously. Whether it be by giving me advice or just telling their own story, it has all helped. I have come a long way mentally in the last few months, and even physically. I don't pick nearly as much as I used to. Good luck with your struggles as you are on your way to recovery!!!

Again welcome - come back often.
Carree

[vampiress]

Dear Carree and Kathy:
Thanks so much for your welcome and support. It has been so frustrating not having a forum to ourselves. At times, I found myself wishing I had a disorder that got more popular attention and thus support (eg, eating disorders, drug and alcohol addiction, etc...). That alone is pretty sick: to wish you had even more problems than you already do just so you can get some help!! But thanks, ladies--it's a small miracle to be here, and I am full of hope.

[Canuck]

Vampiress,

Welcome to our little sanctuary! I hope you find everything you're looking for and all of the help and support that you need!

I believe that there are more than one of us here from NYC and its surrounding areas. Try starting a "where are you from?" posting in the general discussion board. We all DO like to talk abou things other than picking.

And, I may be mistaken, but I believe that Dr. Penzel, the guru for this illness, is located on Long Island (is that right? Someone correct me if I'm wrong). So if you happen to have the resources to see him, I would definitely look into it. I get the impression that he's rather amazing.

[Teresa =)]

hi:)
is great to have u here... all my support for u!!
with zt(tc for me) group we will do it! si just relax..
kissses
teresa