Seeking help?
I (21, F) think I've picked my skin since I can remember, but it got way worse when I was 18. I tried to stop a couple of times, but I think I kind of gave up and accepted that i probably will be picking my skin for the rest of my life. I guess i didn't want it to influence my life too much.
When I met my boyfriend, i already struggled with this. He has supported me since. Some periods, my skin is much better, and he thought i was kind of grown out of it. Sadly i had to tell him this would be most likely something i will always struggle with.
It becomes more and more common that i have the urge to pick his skin. Which breaks my heart, because i don't want to damage his skin or cause him pain.
He told me that maybe i should seek professional help. (He doesn't force me in any way). Mostly because i can, or do, damage my nerves and i can get infections. And of course because now i get the urge on his skin as well. I was aware of this, but that he told me like that was kind of a reality check for me.
The idea for now is to set an period of time and try to stop it myself (which i tried multiple times before) and otherwise seek professional help. To be honest, i don't have much confidence in this idea, but i'm hesitant to seek help too.
For extra context; I pick my face, shoulders, back and since recently my legs as well. In the past i have had wounds on my arms and hands. Those are still scars now.
My question(s); - Is skin picking something that always will 'come back'? Can you grow out of it? - If you seeked help, how did that go? - What made you seek help?