How to Stop Skin Picking or Hair Pulling
The title of this blog is misleading, but “how to stop” picking or pulling habits, is what we all want to know. But, what if there are other more effective routes to take? We lament, “I should just stop.” Once the “trance” is broken and we see the damage done we often feel overwhelmed with shame, embarrassment, and even disgust. We find ourselves, again, with a bald spot and an aching head or blood under our fingernails, wondering “Why can’t I just stop??” But if it wasn’t so relieving (momentarily) then we wouldn’t do it. Most skin pickers, hair pullers, and cuticle biters begin this compulsion in early puberty between 10-14 years old. Most of us have co-occurring challenges like OCD, ADHD, or Autism Spectrum. Most of us experience immediate immense relief when we pull, pick, or bite until it feels “just right.” Most of us never manage to stop completely. These conditions...