I'm not sure if this is self harm...

[Rainstorm]

I guess it could be, but I'm not sure.


Whenever I get insecure or just get pissed, I'll like, peel skin from my fingers. Not just a little, but sometimes a layer or more for more then half of the finger (usually thumb and index.) It'll depend on how long it takes but I'll eventually start bleeding pretty badly when I get to a point.

It's a pretty common occurence. Every other day or so I do it. So I'm not sure if it should be counted as self harm or not.

All I do know is that I hate it. And it hurts, a lot. Not as bad as some when they cut, but it is really painful.

[Painted_Indian_Horse]

just because it's a not a widely used approach, like burning or cutting, doesn't mean you're not harming yourself. you're probably doing it for release, on a subconscious level. if you don't like doing it, then try to stop. but do it in a way that will work for you. for example, try to find something to replace the behavior with, something that's convenient. or maybe just wean yourself away. i don't know how much of a help those suggestions are :P, but just message me if you want to talk about it :)

[Rainstorm]

Thanks.

Yeah, I've been doing it for nearly a year and a half now. I've tried different methods to stop but each time I just keep going back and peeling even more.

My hands are a mess cause of it.

[DifferentTides]

Keep trying to break it man, it's a habit which only leads to more pain (emotional and Physical) and in reality it solves nothing. Im trying to break away from cutting before it gets worse. I know isn't probably something wouldn't want to hear, but you should maybe talk to someone, probably a really close friend you can trust. My best friend helps a lot. :)

Also, and this is incredibly random (but i have to ask), are you pictures of Roxas or Ven from kingdom hearts. I LOVE THOSE GAMES!

[Rainstorm]

Thanks. And I'm on medication for Anxiety issues, Symptoms of Depression and a few other things I believe. Sertraline.

Doesn't help much...


And yeah, Roxas. :)

[AllThatYouDreamed]

Sounds more like compulsive skin picking/dermatillomania

I pick mildly, but only when the skin's already pealing up for another reason (hangnails, blisters. Heh, my fingertips are going to be a mess next week :rolleyes:)

I realize this might be inconvenient because it's summer, but can you cover where you pick the most? You said it's your hands... Wrapping your fingers in bandages to deter it?

[Syvelocin]

I have a mix of dermatophagia and dermatillomania, my main issues being the skin around my nails and my lips. Like you described, my hands are a mess. They're not as bad as yours sounds, but I often go a little too far, or use something a bit sharper than my own nails and teeth to do so, and if you look closely at my fingers you can see odd patterns in how the skin grows back even which isn't pretty either along with the broken skin and open wounds.

Is it self-harm? Yes and no. It's more a type of OCD than self-harm though. In a way, it's deliberately harming yourself, but it's an anxiety disorder that can be treated through therapy or habit on your own (un-learning the habit sort of, by keeping yourself from doing it for a long time until you don't feel the urge any more, but depending on how long you've been at it, it might be harder than it sounds).

[RAWWR]

I had a friend who used to do this, she started covering her fingers in glue and peeling that off instead, maybe you could try it?

[Iris]

@syvelocin
i thought i was the only one that peeled lips...does that mean i have anxiety issues...?

[Havok]

Hmmm, i bite the skin off my lips when they are dry, it hurts but doesnt bleed, i wouldnt mention it except that i know that it's going to hurt but i do it anyway, i kinda like it...

[Syvelocin]

@syvelocin
i thought i was the only one that peeled lips...does that mean i have anxiety issues...?

It could. Usually that stuff stems in anxiety. I do that stuff for no reason sometimes, but I do notice an increase if I'm more stressed than usual or anxious. Of course, you could still do it just because it's a habit, but most often it's because of some underlying emotional problems like stress or anxiety.

[Iris]

hmm i usually do it cuz its comforting...i've been doing it since i was like 7-8. But i also like the pain and blood (though i hate the taste of blood) so i thought it was sh...

[Chris25]

Anything that lasts for an hour or more on ur skin is considered slef harm. Becauss this is a hAbit for u i would try something else to vent the stress such as drawing, writing out what is on ur mind, going for a walk and maybe even talking to someone u trust. I am being a hypocryte when i say that self-harm is bad but ik how u feel and how the pain relases u.