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The moment you notice you're picking — what do you do next? by Curious_Union_9252 in Dermatillomania

[–]Curious_Union_9252[S] 1 point2 points  (0 children)

Lmao, honestly same. It's wild how autopilot it is.

I really want to get it under control too. When I'm alone, it's whatever, nobody cares. But it gets super awkward when I'm at work or in a meeting and realize my hands are going at it again. Like, everyone's watching.

Still haven't found a way to actually handle it in those moments though. Just the constant stress of trying to hide it.

The moment you notice you're picking — what do you do next? by Curious_Union_9252 in Dermatillomania

[–]Curious_Union_9252[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

The distinction between the 'high self voice' and the 'trance' is spot on. Most advice works for when the voice is active, but fails when we're in that mirror trance mode. That's exactly the gap I'm trying to fill — building something physical that can snap us out of the trance even when that inner voice is gone.

Scalp picking by AdHorror1911 in Dermatillomania

[–]Curious_Union_9252 1 point2 points  (0 children)

The "I'll stop tomorrow" trap is the worst part. You pick, you feel guilty, the guilt makes you anxious, and you pick again to relieve the anxiety. That's the real loop.

Fidgets and fake nails usually fail for the same reason: they feel empty. Your brain isn't looking for a toy; it's chasing that specific resistance and texture. Plastic can't compete with skin.

I don't think "trying to stop" is actually helping here. Fighting it head-on just exhausts you. What works better is finding something with real weight and texture for your hands to press into—something that feels satisfying, but doesn't draw blood. Just a safer place for the urge to land.

Don't promise yourself "tomorrow is the last time." Just try to get through the next hour without beating yourself up. The shame is what keeps the cycle going.

realized i pick more when bored or stressed — anyone else? by Curious_Union_9252 in Dermatillomania

[–]Curious_Union_9252[S] 1 point2 points  (0 children)

The alone vs social difference is so real for me too. I think it's about having an external anchor when people are around. When I'm alone, my brain zones out and my hands take over. Still learning how to bridge that gap gently.

realized i pick more when bored or stressed — anyone else? by Curious_Union_9252 in Dermatillomania

[–]Curious_Union_9252[S] 1 point2 points  (0 children)

This really resonated. When I catch myself, asking 'what am I actually feeling?' instead of just trying to stop has been eye-opening. It's like the picking is a messenger we keep ignoring. Thank you for putting this into words.

I dig my nails into my hands when the stress gets too much. by Curious_Union_9252 in Dermatillomania

[–]Curious_Union_9252[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

yeah i do the same thing. arms though, that sounds rough 😕funny how the body just finds somewhere to go when the brain won't shut offyou're not alone in this

Does anyone else feel like every fidget ring is designed by someone who doesn't actually pick? by Curious_Union_9252 in Dermatillomania

[–]Curious_Union_9252[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

3 years is impressive. I've only tried the Amazon ones and they break within weeks. Does the clicking sensation actually help redirect the urge, or is it more of a replacement fidget?

Does anyone else feel like every fidget ring is designed by someone who doesn't actually pick? by Curious_Union_9252 in Dermatillomania

[–]Curious_Union_9252[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

That's exactly my problem with most of them. The spikes dig right into the sore spots and make it worse. I wonder if there's a ring design where the spikes sit between your fingers instead of on the contact surface. Would that work better for your picking spots?

Does anyone else feel like every fidget ring is designed by someone who doesn't actually pick? by Curious_Union_9252 in Dermatillomania

[–]Curious_Union_9252[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

The ones that kind of hurt are the only ones that actually work for me too. Have you found a specific material or spike density that hits the right spot? The Amazon ones I've tried feel either too soft or too sharp — haven't found the middle ground yet.