New Kid in Town

[Iceman]

Hello everyone, really glad to have found this message board. I felt i was in a category all by myself. Over the years i've read plenty about self-injury but it generally discussed random cutting on the body. I had no idea compulsive skin picking was being defined and labeled until i landed on the face & skin picking support web page. I realize skin picking is sadly more prevalent in females as evidenced by the % i noticed while browsing the messages but i hope i can provide a different perspective. I'm a nice guy and i love to help others but unfortunately i can't help myself and therefore not much use to anyone. I'm empty and alone but i can still type and i can still feel so here i am.

[Butterfly]

hi Iceman

welcome to the boards.
Vent away as much as you like. And dont worry about getting replies. Lots of souls out there feel the same as you and read with compassion

There's been going on a big attempt to stop sp episodes...counting days and watching improvement physically and mentally. It helps having someone to share that struggle with

Again welcome and tell us a bit about yourself if you want

Butterfly

[scarreddaisy]

ice man this is a wonderful place to be... we all help each other through this struggle... there is so much information you can obtain here about csp and about yourself....welcome...

[Stef (Incubabe)]

Hey! Welcome! Im sure we'll all like hearing about what its like from a guy's point of view. Were all here for each other and if you ever need to chat Im usually always around or you can email me. Have fun getting to know everyone. The people here are great and they've helped me out a lot.

[angelkiss]

Hey Iceman, it's great to have you here...I just keep on coming back, i love this board. Post again and tell us more about yourself if you feel comfortable enough.

Hope to hear from you soon,
Angel

[firegirl]

welcome, welcome...

whiskeytown fan, i presume?

[Iceman]

Hello again everyone,

Thank you all so much for welcoming me. I had a real crap day today so it's nice to read some friendly words. I'll fill you all in more as i go along but the short story is i'm a compulsive facial skin picker and it all started soon after i finished a 5 month treatment of Accutane back in fall of '93. I also have OCD & panic attacks as a result but those have been fairly controlled by a small dosage of Celexa, an SSRI.

Also i posted a response to Lady Sarah under the Therapy/Meds board about Accutane so anyone pondering the use of that dangerous and irresponsible drug should check it out.
Iceman

[Butterfly]

hi Iceman

I read your post about Roaccutan, it makes mine sound really stupid and thoughtless

I had no idea this drug could cause mental side effects.

I'm sorry you had to go through this. I cant say it had such an impact on me cause i've been a little depressed all my life and acne simply made that worse. I dont regret i took it cause i'm sure if i was still dealing with a bumpy face and body, i'd be plain miserable.

I really had a terrible time back then and was already picking my skin causing infections and scars. It absolutely ruined my self esteem

I still pick but i no longer have big spots to worry about. It's easier to fight sp when the temptation is not there. I used to sleep and wonder where would next pustule would appear on my face when i'd wake up.

This is why it worked for me. I blame sp on other things having to do with myself and i find it hard to believe a drug i took 7 years ago is now still triggering this. This is strictly my case so pls dont take it personally. You had no sp prior to accutan while i did

If some other medication can work and have no side effects then that's brilliant. I hadnt had any other choices

I had a crappy day too so i apologize if my words came out as offensive

I'm gonna do a little research and ask people i know that took it whether it had any effect on them

good day
Butterfly

[Janita]

Hello Iceman,

I'm new here too.

Hey, don't feel bad about feeling like you can't give anyone any help. Believe it or not, just posting your feelings IS a help to some of us. It helps us to realize we are not alone with this somewhat silent problem we all face.

When I first came here, I too, felt like I was in a category by myself because most of you are a lot younger than I am. BUT, we all have the same addiction so I feel I fit right in.

I'm glad you've found this site. Hope to see more of your posts.

[Elsie]

Welcome Iceman--don't let us girls scare you away! We're always glad for anyone to join!

Hey, if someone over 30 reads this, could you do me a favor? Start a new thread with the subject "If you're over 30, say hi!" The reason is because I keep seeing so many different people saying things like "I think I'm a lot older than the rest of you" but actually I think there are more of us in the over 30 category than anyone realizes. I would love to see who all is out there, over 30. No offense to the younger folks at all! Anyway, I can't do it because the system will only let me reply, not start a new thread. So thanks! I'll wait for the new thread so I can add my name to the over 30 group.

Elsie

[Iceman]

Thank you all for your kind words and for welcoming me in as i already feel like i'm in a comfortable and safe environment. It's nice to be able to share things with you all b/c you know where i'm coming from and i don't feel like such a freak. I wish no one in God's green earth had to suffer with something as self-destructive as this, especially you women b/c i realize how focused today's society is on beauty and looking "perfect". My heart goes out to you all.

I'm going to start a new post with some positive words my sister emailed me awhile back. Hopefully they will give some of you a boost .
Iceman