Bad Habit or Something More?

[ronica999]

I have been shamefully picking the skin on my fingers from as far back as i can remember, I have always been a very nervous person, steming from an early childhood abusive situation. I have never been able to stop picking my fingers, I literally pick until they bleed. I have had people tell me i even do this in my sleep. I do it so often that i often dont even realize it until im bleeding. Is there a medical name for this? I realize now i need treatment of some sort, I have been diagnosed with OCD and have been taking CELEXA which doesnt seem to be working, I just so tired of feeling edgy.

[Chance13]

Hey there. I have a similar habit of picking the skin off my lips. I have had this habit since I was a kid, before I developed severe anxiety, was diagnosed with OCD and stopped and started a couple meds. I actually just started Celexa today.

In my experience and from what I've heard of others, medicine doesn't usually work on its own. It is going to take a big effort from you to take back your life and choose to live above fear. (anxiety, whatever you want to call it.)

I meditate (you can buy some very nice music to help you relax) and sometimes I will meditate with my feet in warm water of laying on a heat pad. I focus on my breath and on each inhale and exhale I focus on a word. Like, inhale:peace, exhale:calm. Or use words that have significance to you. If you say these words often enough you body will learn to associate them with relaxation.

Other good things; tai-chi (go to a studio or buy a dvd), yoga (same thing), exercise frequently (the endorphins released from exercise give you such a profound sense of well being),  no caffeine!!!, limit alcohol consumption (the rebound from the depressing effects of alcohol is anxiety)   Maybe wear gloves to bed :)

You are not alone. Take deep breaths and know you are strong enough to get through this. I hope by the time you read this the Celexa will be taking better effect. The suggestions above are just things I find help me deal with my own Obsessions. I hope this helps a bit.

[Abhijeet Deshmukh, MD]

Hello.

There are better and more specific medicines these days for OCD. Please consult your treating doctor about trying those.

Celexa will take care of your anxiety up to a certain level (and depressive symptoms, if any) but the underlying obsessive thoughts need something more than Celexa.

All the best.

Abhijeet Deshmukh, MD