OCD Action

NinaNightx
Member

I'm only 17 years old and I believe that I have CPD. For most of my life I have had habits to keep my hands busy, I used to peel the skin off around my fingers, pick scabs on my scalp etc. But I've now started picking at my skin on my arms, legs and even my face sometimes. the other habits I could deal with and got over quickly by finding a new habit, but this is a lot worse. I have to cover my arms and legs constantly because of the embarrassment of showing the scabs and scars on my arms and legs. I'm also attending college so it makes me more aware and embarrassed of the problem.
I have researched CPD over the Internet and the causes seem to be anxiety and stress? Is that right?
I wouldn't be surprised if this is what caused be to start picking at my skin as in the last two years I have been wheelchair bound due to an operation going wrong on my spine and I started picking after I left hospital. I have built up my independence and confidence after the incident, but I mentally and physically cannot stop picking, I'm covered in scars and this just depresses me further. So I'm trying to cope with not only a spinal cord injury and trying to learn to walk again, but I also have this which is driving me insane.
I've read that cognitive behavioral therapy was a treatment to help, has anyone had the treatment and found that it has helped at all?

Thank you for reading x

Wed Mar 17 2010 9:47:48 #
mama
Member

I believe there is a group on yahoo for 'pickaderms' as they callit. You may find their support helpful. At anyrate, welcome to this forum...we have OCDers of all types here and hope you will find their support andd kindness helpful. You are not alone in te skin picking...and yes, I believe CBT is the recommended therapy for this condition as well.

Wed Mar 17 2010 12:57:29 #
Truddles
Member

Hi Nina,

Welcome to the forum.

I'm sorry to hear that you are going through so much at the moment. You need to speak to your GP in order to get help for your CSP. It's easier if you write everything down so that when you see the GP you don't forget anything. You've already taken the first step by posting on the forum.

It's good that following the operation you have managed to build up both your independence and confidence. It means that you're a strong person and with the right help should be able to control the CSP. I don't have CSP, though I admit that I do occasionally pick at spots etc, (I have OCD) but I believe that CBT is the chosen treatment for CSP.

Do let us know how you get on with asking for help. In the meantime you can get help and support from all of us on the forum. We're a friendly bunch and it's not all serious topics we do also have a laugh.

As there aren't many people on the CSP forum feel free to join in on the OCD forum. It's a bigger forum and so you stand more of a chance of getting a reply. Lots of people from the other forums use the OCD forum.

All the best

Trudy

Wed Mar 17 2010 13:01:37 #