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[natalie3987]

I have recently told my mom about my depression that has been caused by my appearence.  We had a long chat about it and she also thinks that I have some self-mutilating tendencies, such as, I bite my nails and pick my cuticles until my hands are bleeding, I pop pimples and pick scabs on my face until my face is bleeding, and I pull at all scars and scabs on my body so i am bleeding.  I never ever cut myself, but I pick at my existing problems and make them much much worse.  Does this count as "self-mutilation" or is this just normal picking?

I looked into Body Dysmorphic Disorder like some of you suggested... I don't think I have that because my "flaws" are not imaginary.  I literally have the most hideous disgusting acne on my face, and I am definitely not imagining it.  

Anyway, thanks for all the support yesterday. This forum makes me feel not-so-alone.

~Natalie

Edited by natalie3987, 21 November 2007 - 08:24 PM.

[Joanna]

((((((((Natalie))))))))

The bracket things are hugs by the way (I didn't know what they were when I first joined this website!!)

I don't have any personal experience of self-injury, but I do have some obsessive-compulsive behavior around picking at things sometimes, so I can definitely relate to a certain extent.

I'm not really sure what the difference is between obsessive-compulsive habits, such as nail-biting and picking at scabs, and actual self-injury. But I would think there is a difference between picking at scabs that you did not cause yourself and creating fresh wounds??

I guess the nail-biting thing could be considered self-harm, but then again, perhaps it is "just" a compulsive habit. Or maybe that's what self-harming is too: a compulsive habit?

Again, I really don't know the answer to that. I think the way you described it in your post as self-mutilating "tendencies" is probably very accurate. And I guess the main point in your case is that you feel compelled to do these things because you feel depressed. And obviously picking compulsively at scabs and biting your nails are behaviors that it would be really good to change. So treating your depression makes so much sense.

These would all be excellent questions to bring up with a counsellor or therapist. I really hope this is a possibility you are able to explore. I'm so glad you've been able to talk really honestly with your Mom about this and that she is helping you figure out the next course of action.

I really wish you good luck with all of this Natalie!

Take care.

Joanna

Edited by Joanna, 21 November 2007 - 10:11 PM.

[terrifictuesdays47]

I had wondered about that too.  I do the same things as you, but it's not to self-harm.  I have cut before (haven't much in the last month or two) and that was intentional to self-harm, as well as the feelings that came about that caused me to do it.  I do the nail-biting and scab/zit picking cuz I can't stand it to be there.  I hate loose skin, something that's too much, or whatever.  I also bite nails when I get bored or nervous, sometimes without thinking.  But for me, it's not the same as self-harm.  Praying for you.

[Erebos]

Depends on your intentions (ie distraction, self punishment, self control etc). I do all those things, but for reasons I don't even fully comprehend. Probably because pimples are fun to pop. Then again, for you, it may be linked to BDD.