Hi There- I'm new

[Zoner]

Hi everyone! I found this site a few months ago, and periodically get on and review chats, but have been reluctant to get on and make myself heard. I've been compulsively picking for what seems like forever. I don't think there is an area on my body that I can't reach. I used to have beautiful skin, but now, especially on my face I'm developing serious acne (caused by ME!!), in addition to the scabs, inflamed red marks, peeling skin etc.... Now my self esteem is suffering.
I chose the name Zoner because that's exactly what I do. If I'm stressed or bored I hit the mirror and seem to "zone" out. No stress- my mind seems to be clear when I pick. I don't think of anything! Of course until I'm finished picking and I stand back and look at what I've done to my face. I tell myself almost everyday that I'm going to stop, but I just can't seem too. No, I know that I can if I try hard enough, so I guess that's why I'm here. I need to get this out in the open and share with everyone. I've been amazed reading through all the posts how much I can identify with everyone. As I'm typing this I just feel like crying- what a release!
I could go on and on about what I do and the pain that it causes me, but I Know that you all know. So, how do I stop?

[FarmGirl]

Hi Zoner! That is a GREAT name and totally describes what happens to me too!

I'm new here as well and what I've read so far shows me that this is a great bunch of people on here who are all in the same boat with you.

My work forces me to spend most of my day on the computer, so I'm always checking in to see what folks are up to. Take care and hope to hear more from you

[Zoner but I forgot to log in]

Thanks for the reply Farmgirl! I really think that it is so addicting because of the way I can zone out. It's reinforcing because when I'm stressed and then pick, I seem to forget what I'm stressed about- for that period of time anyway. Then when I stop, it's like whoa- a snap back into reality. I do it lots of other times too, and it's not limited to my face- but I guess that's for sharing in another post.

Thanks for the warm welcome- I look forward to talking/sharing with you some more!

Oh- by the way- I'm originally from upstate NY- so I clearly hear ya about the winters! Hang in there!!
Zoner

[pickles]

Welcome Zoner! I think it's great that you finally decided to post something. I was like that too when I first found this site. This website has helped me so much in the last few months. I see a counselor for my picking and I'm looking into finding a pyschologist for some meds. Anyways, it is b/c of this site that I have been able to do these things. Just keep coming here for support. Trust me, there's nothing you can say that someone on this board wouldn't know about or understand. Good Luck & Take Care!

pickles

[firegirl]

welcome, welcome, welcome...

i tend to zone out as well... whether out of boredom or stress- it's definitely an escape mechanism. the time flies- one minute it's midnite, and by the time i make it out of the bathroom it's one o'clock. ughh- the hours i've wasted spaced out in front of the mirror...

anyways, welcome!

[Zoner]

Thanks everyone for making me feel welcome. I think that by joining this group I'm finally being honest with myself about my picking and I've been more honest with my fiance about it too.
I noticed that there was a survey request on one of the other posts and I contacted the girl to fill it out. I've always know that I had a picking probelm and that it was pretty serious, but until I did the survey, I didn't realize just how bad it was. doing the survey and joining this group has made me honestly look at my problem. I sat down with my fiance the other day and broke down and actually told him how bad I was. That was such a release!
You all have made me realize that it's not just me, that this IS A real problem! Now I'm much more aware of how much I do it and every time I do it. I've told myself several times over that past few days that I'm going to quit for 24 hours (baby steps!). Of course I keep failing- but it's more trying than I've done in a long time. At least that's a step!
Thanks everyone for sharing with me!