Scratching +Rep

[Phil]

Hey guys,

Over the past month or two, I've started scratching the back of my neck when I get stressed, upset etc. A few times now I've unintentionally pierced the skin and its starting to really irritate me (especially because I have to start wearing scarfs since a friend noticed marks). I've put it down to anxiety but I'm not sure if that's actually it. It's been especially bad over the past three days because of some stuff happening irl but after it's over, I can see the scratching continue.

Has anyone experienced this before or have any idea what I could do to stop?

Thanks in advance, +Rep to any insightful replies.

[beth]

it's kinda the same as biting yr nails (sorta) in that now it has become a habit. i had a friend that scratches all the time due to stress and stuff, and we now smack him/shout at him everytime we see him scratching. it sounds a bit extreme, but he asked us to and he says its helped him break the habit. you just gotta kinda ween yrself off it. especially if yr breaking skin as excessive scratching could input bacteria into these sores and it could get real nasty!

it might sound a bit of a weird suggestion, but it helped our friend with his scratching: if yr not going out, or if yr at home. why not wearing a pair of gloves if you feel yr going to scratch. it won't stop yr scratching but it will stop you breaking the skin, or causing marks. and maybe the different sensation will alsoo help you ween off it :)

[GirlNextDoor15]

I do scratch myself but not only during I'm anxious. When I'm confused or whatsoever, it just happens.
I don't know if it's a habit. I would see a counsellor if it is.

[Phil]

it's kinda the same as biting yr nails (sorta) in that now it has become a habit. i had a friend that scratches all the time due to stress and stuff, and we now smack him/shout at him everytime we see him scratching. it sounds a bit extreme, but he asked us to and he says its helped him break the habit. you just gotta kinda ween yrself off it. especially if yr breaking skin as excessive scratching could input bacteria into these sores and it could get real nasty!

it might sound a bit of a weird suggestion, but it helped our friend with his scratching: if yr not going out, or if yr at home. why not wearing a pair of gloves if you feel yr going to scratch. it won't stop yr scratching but it will stop you breaking the skin, or causing marks. and maybe the different sensation will alsoo help you ween off it :)

Yeah we had a friend that was scratching for like a week and we'd like, hit her, every time we catch her doing that but of course, like your friend she asked us too but it didn't do much use as we didnt see her as often as we would have liked and when she got home there was nobody there to 'punish' her and it seemed like she took advantage of it. I really like the gloves suggestion and I'm going to give that a try (unless I'm on the computer D:)

Thanks Beth, +Rep


I do scratch myself but not only during I'm anxious. When I'm confused or whatsoever, it just happens.
I don't know if it's a habit. I would see a counsellor if it is.

I don't really plan on seeing a counsellor, my parents can't really afford it, I probably could myself but I need as much money as possible going to college next year and I'm already helping out my friends parents pay my friend through art therapy so I won't be paying for another one, at least not till like October when I get the money back.

[GirlNextDoor15]

Oh. I see. My school has a counsellor and it's absolutely free to seek for her help. Maybe your school/college have counsellors too. I'm sure there are some organization that can help you through stuff like that. Try Befrienders. :)

[Phil]

Well school is out for summer and I'm going into college so unless they have one in college in September I can't use that option. I'll try look for a suitable organisation that would provide a free consultation, I didn't think of that, thanks! I was never really worried about it but over the past few days it's gotten far worse. There was blood on my pillow this morning when I woke up so I think I could be doing it in my sleep so looks like I better fall asleep with socks on my hands :P

Omg you all must think I'm a weirdo LMAO

[Shar]

Well school is out for summer and I'm going into college so unless they have one in college in September I can't use that option. I'll try look for a suitable organisation that would provide a free consultation, I didn't think of that, thanks! I was never really worried about it but over the past few days it's gotten far worse. There was blood on my pillow this morning when I woke up so I think I could be doing it in my sleep so looks like I better fall asleep with socks on my hands :P

Omg you all must think I'm a weirdo LMAO
Not really!
Do you have something like connexions in Ireland? They provide youth services and someone you can talk to :)

I have the same problem and my solution is not letting my nails grow too long so it can't do much damage :p

[Phil]

Not really!
Do you have something like connexions in Ireland? They provide youth services and someone you can talk to :)

I have the same problem and my solution is not letting my nails grow too long so it can't do much damage :p

Nah I've never heard of them anyway but I'll have a look. I don't really need to find someone like that to talk to about it because they won't have a solution for me. I can talk to my friends about whatever's bothering me so I'm not sure if I need that. It wasn't as bad later in the day yesterday and I didn't seem to be doing it last night.

I guess it will just blow over :/

[Shar]

Nah I've never heard of them anyway but I'll have a look. I don't really need to find someone like that to talk to about it because they won't have a solution for me. I can talk to my friends about whatever's bothering me so I'm not sure if I need that. It wasn't as bad later in the day yesterday and I didn't seem to be doing it last night.

I guess it will just blow over :/
That's alright then, I personally think its better to talk to friends anyway. Hopefully it will be resolved. :)

[GirlNextDoor15]

Well school is out for summer and I'm going into college so unless they have one in college in September I can't use that option. I'll try look for a suitable organisation that would provide a free consultation, I didn't think of that, thanks! I was never really worried about it but over the past few days it's gotten far worse. There was blood on my pillow this morning when I woke up so I think I could be doing it in my sleep so looks like I better fall asleep with socks on my hands :P

Omg you all must think I'm a weirdo LMAO

Nah. You're not. There's a lot of people with weird habits and that includes me. :)

Good luck in finding those organisations! :)

[Eric]

Take an MRI and go look for a dermatologist or neurologist ? It has to be something to do with brain or skin.

:S

[Narnat,]

As it has been said up above it is a form of habit, Some people have different opinions and could see it as a mild form of self infliction. The best thing to do is to see your doctor or speak to someone about it and then take it from there. Best of luck with it though!