A
female
age
51-59,
anonymous
writes:hi - wondering if anyone can help. I have for a while been picking at my face - by this I mean I can spend long periods of time each day with a magnifying mirror, near a window for best lighting, so that I can pick what I think is all the spots, imperfections etc from my skin on my face. Sorry this sounds horrible but it likes each small blemish or blackhead just has to go whatever the consequences. I have even used a needle once or twice to get at some spots. I have started to loathe what I'm doing but seem unable to stop. I have looked it up on the internet and it does mention it could be obsessive behaviour but I do not obsess over any other part of me - quite the opposite I am almost too relaxed about my appearance. I have tried to monitor things and I tend to do it when I feel down or bored but its becoming something I feel compelled to do rather than need to for normal reasons. The thing is I am starting to damage skin - trying to find things that most people wouldn't have time to look for. I would say I am quite a depressed person at the moment. I have high levels of anxiety through a very bad relationship in which I receive daily emotional abuse and don't know how to leave yet.. but until reently I have dealt with this. I don't make much effort with my appearance any more and wonder if I am kind of punishing myself but wondered if anyone has experienced this kind of thing or knows someone who has. I want to stop it but don't know how. I don't want to take anti depressants I've seen what the side effects can do. It is starting to affect my life though and the more I pick the worse I look which makes me do it even more for some reason. Many thanks for any help.
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female
reader, Nicole.x +, writes (4 August 2009):
 Have you found any help for this or anything that helps you stop doing this because this is exactly what i am going through at the moment if i find the slightest little lump on my face or anywhere on my body even i will pick and scratch and it until sometimes it's really, really big and bleeding. The pin thing i have also done.
A
female
reader, anonymous, writes (31 May 2008): Scratching is instinct. When people sense something unpleasent on their skin their brain sends a reflex to get rid of it.
For the physical part: For clearing spots I'd recommend rinsing your face with water every morning and night. Before you go to sleep, you could try using a substance such as germaline, this should start healing your skin. If you find your face is dry apply a moisturiser. Try to keep it as natural as possible, if you have sensitive skin you'll find yourself in a worse situation. And try to avoid contact between your hands and face. Drinking water, eating fruit and vegetables and getting lots of fresh air also help skin stay clean. If you're still finding problems try seeing a dermatologist.
I study the effects of weather and in some cases, sunlight can improve depression. :) More sunlight - more fresh air (killing to birds with one stone, really...).
I hope you found this quite helpful, sorry for any spelling mistakes or typos (new keyboard and I'm a terrible speller!!)
Good luck
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A
female
reader, pepper27 +, writes (31 May 2008):
 Hi Hunny
You are in an abusive relationship Ive been were you are now, You need some control in your life and this obsessive behaviour is it love..You need to get out of this relationship as soon as possible hunny..you are going to need along time to get over all this emotional abuse if its on a daily basis like mine was it is terribly hard to lead a normal life when its over..I am currently getting help for post traumatic stress. Ive been divorced for 9yrs that relationship changed me so much as I couldnt escape at the time were I live there was no help and no battered womens centres to go to..But after all this as the abuse didnt stop even though he was gone I found great help and comfort with VICTIM SUPPORT..... http://www.victimsupport.org.uk/vs_england_wales/index.php
They will in confidence help you with getting out of this abusive relationship, This controlling behaviour is your only way of feeling in control over something in your life...Try turning it around and rather that pick get some products to help your skin and use that for now as the control you need...Your depression is all linked to this relationship hunny..
http://www.crimereduction.homeoffice.gov.uk/domesticviolence/domesticviolence40.htm
As soon as you are out of this relationship you can then start to heal love if you need a chat message me TAKE CARE WITH LOVE MANDY XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX
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