FOR AS LONG AS I CAN REMEMBER I HAVE PICKED AT MY FEET, TOENAILS AND FINGERNAILS. IN THE LAST 30 YEARS I STARTED PICKING AT MY BOTTOM AND NOW I'M PICKING AT MY BACK. I'M EMBARASED TO PUT ON A SWIMSUIT OR FOR A DOCTOR OR HUSBAND TO SEE WHAT I'VE DONE. I CAN'T SEEM TO STOP.ANY SUGGESTIONS?

It sounds like an Obsessive/compulsive disorder {OCD}-
We have a forum that may be of help-
http://neurotalk.psychcentral.com/forum50.html

If you aren't wanting to seek professional help with it yet, there might be other methods you can try.
self help or online hypnosis - books , CDs etc
distraction techniques
EFT - free beginner info package -
http://www.emofree.com/downloadeftmanual.asp

Hi and welcome to NeuroTalk! I see that Jo has given you some good starting points so I'll just say "hello" and I hope you find the help that you're seeking. There are many friendly and helpful people here - don't be afraid to jump in and be a part of the group.

Hello and welcome to NeuroTalk. Great to see you have come to be with us. Just let us know if we can be of any help.

Again welcome, looking forward to seeing you around.

Darlene

I'd like to welcome you as well.

I see that Jo55 has given you a good start with the link she provided, so please relax and make yourself at home here with us. I'm sure that in just a little time you'll be feeling just as comfortable as I was when I first joined.

Hello and welcome to NeuroTalk. Although I'm not able to give you any advice, I see some of the others have that covered. So, I'll just add that I'm glad you found us and I do hope you'll take a look around and make yourself at home.

Hi Picker:

Yup. OCD. It happens to many of us. We either live with it, let it control us, or we get help. Zoloft is one med and it does help with OCD. It says so on the insert that comes with the drug. Don't know about any other meds.

You should be speaking to your family doctor about this habit because (and this might have happened or NOT, but you can get a nasty infection SOMEPLACE on your body if you keep this up.

My friend (I go sit on her porch every night), well she's 77 years old and ever since she became a widow she does the same thing. She is sitting there with countless bandaids all over her arms and face because SHE PICKS.

Can't tell you how many scabs she has because she picks at them and forms new scabs.

Not only is this not healthy, but, unfortunatley, it affects her looks.

I do hope you find some help on the OCD forum.

Have you chatted with your family doc over this problem?

He just might be able to either hook you up with counseling, or prescribe something for you.

I most certainly welcome to our little corner of the world and I wish you well.

You take care,

Melody

Hello dear one - Welcome -
I am so sorry it embarrasses you - but you can find help here...

bless your heart,

Hi Picker, I'm new here as well. Please don't shout, we may have some neurological problems but we're not deaf. You can safely talk about everything here.

Hi, Picker! Welcome to NeuroTalk!

I'm sorry that you're struggling with this situation. You have found a terrific community here and I would also urge you to see your doc about this, I would hate to learn that you've made yourself physically ill with a serious infection. Sometimes, we need only to get something out in the open to begin the emotional and physical healing process.