Feel a bit of a fraud, or am I worse than I thought

[Weighnow]

I have a problem with skin picking. I've always done it, but it's getting worse and I finally decided enough is enough and I'd seek some help.

Initially I thought I'd book some CBT privately, but struggled to find a suitable practitioner locally, so started with an NHS self referral to see where that led, although expected to be on a long waiting list.

I had an initial assessment and they've assessed me as level 4 out of a possible 5, which makes my case urgent, to be seen within 2 weeks. I've got appointment next week.

Apparently this is because of the amount of time I spend "self harming". I can see that's what it is, but I'm not actually a danger to myself.

Just posting as I also pick my skin (around the fingers) very badly but have never addressed it specifically in therapy. Have always had others more urgent issues going on. That's great that you are getting help for it and being taken seriously.

Oh that's interesting to read if that's the right word

I can see why you're surprised

I can't see what you're like so maybe yours is really bad? I don't know

This can be a symptom of ADHD

I pick at my scalp.Find it very "relaxing".
It's embarrassing getting a blow dry.
I tend to do it more when I'm very stressed.

Me too. I pull a lot of hair out with the lumps of skin so my hair is quite thin a patchy now. I’ve never mentioned it to my psychiatrist or therapist as it has always seemed trivial in comparison to my other MH issues.
I'm really pleased the OP is getting help with it though as it should be taken seriously.

I have trichotillomania, hair pulling. It's shit.

It's often something that starts when events around you are out of your control; when you're young and have no say in what happens to you, so you use your own body to self soothe or distract yourself. Glad you're getting prompt help @Weighnow

That’s interesting @Eyesopenwideawake.
What is the best way to stop doing it?

@Weighnow well done - you've done the right thing. It is a form of self harm. Will you keep us updated? I am terrible and make my hands and feet bleed on a daily basis at the moment. It's awful. I hate it. My shelves are full of creams and moisturiser but somehow this doesn't help. So glad you will get help x

That's interesting because whilst I sm in no way "hyperactive" as the classic symptom in boys and I would never have had this diagnosis as a child, I do have some of the traits more recently identified in women. I'm a terrible procrastinator.

Understanding that you are now an adult and in charge of what does, and doesn't, happen around you - so you don't need to use the strategies of the child who has no agency. Easier said than done when it's a deeply ingrained habit but it is possible. I've worked with several people who had nail biting, skin picking or hair chewing habits; once the subconscious mind knows it's no longer necessary it will stop.

My scalp picking didn’t start when I was a child and it probably is necessary as a coping strategy now.

@Keeponkeepingonandon I'm sorry to read that but please do tell your psychiatrist or therapist about it, it's not trivial at all.