I knew something was off at around 10 years old. I was experiencing depressive and anxious thoughts, but didn’t start speculating that I may have OCD until the age of around 14. I actually looked into it because I had been picking my skin excessively. I’d found out information about dermatillomania and many sources described…
I am officially diagnosed with depression, anxiety and dermatillomania, although I also suffer (undiagnosed) from paranoia, mild PTSD and experience body focused repetitive behaviours (BFRBs). My depression tends to happen in ‘episodes’, where I’ll go from being functioning to very ‘low functioning’ – not eating much, struggling to get out of bed, forgetting to wash,…
For years now, I have kept an embarrassing secret from everyone I know. I don’t think anyone around me would understand if I told them that I feel compelled to pull out my hair and nails when I feel stressed, anxious or bored. It’s just not something that normal people do. But I’ve done it…