OCD- Dermatillomania

I suffer from Dermatillomania, which is a form of OCD, specifically a skin picking disorder. I'm thinking of bringing it up to my therapist when I see her Friday, but it is really embarrassing. I can sit and talk about my feelings and my depression and anxiety, but this is something I really haven't told anybody. All I know is that I've noticed it getting worse as my anxiety has gotten spiked. I find myself doing it more and more without even noticing it. I do pick my skin in general but it is more subject to my head. The scariest part of knowing and noticing how bad it has gotten is when I wake up with dried blood caked under my fingernails because I've been doing it in my sleep. I'll have really strange dreams, some about bugs, some not, and I'll pick in my sleep. So I'm just debating whether or not I want to say anything about it. I probably should say something eventually, but I'm not so sure I want to tomorrow.

Hi Mattie.;)

Know that you are not alone...skin picking and hair plucking are not usual symptoms of anxiety/OCD. We have many members here who deal with this issue.

It is treatable with therapy and/or medication. Do talk with your therapist...they have heard and seen just about everything and are not going to make any judgements, rather they want to help!

Be comforted in knowing that there is hope for this, and that you are not alone. Don't feel embarrassed, feel proud for talking about it and facing the issue head on!:)

Talk to you soon,

S.C.