Help I don't know what to anymore

Ask a Therapist Treatment & Recovery
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I don’t know what to do anymore I keep squeezing my pores so often its getting worse with every ‘session’.Everytime I manage to control myself it will all be of no use because as soon as I see a mirror its like I’m being possessed and I forget about avoiding it and the consequences.My skin has gotten worse because of this and my parents keep picking on me for it but i dont do it on purpose its like i can’t stop it Idont knwo what to do anymore I’m crying so hard because I can’t find a solution anymore its affecting both my physical and mental state and Jm starting to wonder if my ADHD has something to do with this because everyone tells me to just stop doing it but its not something I can ‘control’

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Hi @user1244 ,

Thank you for sharing what you’re going through. It sounds incredibly tough, and I want to acknowledge how strong you are for reaching out. Your struggle with squeezing your pores and the emotional distress it’s causing you is very real, and it’s important to address it.

You’re already doing so much to try to manage this situation. Sometimes the bravest thing we can do is to hold space for ourselves and attend to our fears and anxieties. It’s not easy, but acknowledging these feelings is a crucial step in taking care of your mental and emotional well-being. Often, when we don’t have a solution to address our fears and anxieties, it can easily trigger us to feel frantic. In searching for a solution, we might tend to “do a lot” or “overdo” things, like squeezing our pores.

I have a few questions that might help us understand your situation better and find the most appropriate support for you:

  1. Have you had the chance to talk to a mental health professional about what you’re experiencing? You mentioned wondering if ADHD has something to do with this—did you address this with the doctor who diagnosed you?

  2. Mirrors seem to be a significant trigger for you. When you see a mirror, what thoughts or feelings come up for you? Understanding these can be a useful first step in managing the behavior.

  3. It sounds like your parents’ reactions are adding to your distress. How do their comments make you feel, and do you think they understand the difficulty you’re facing? Sometimes, discussing these feelings can help find ways to communicate with your parents more effectively.

  4. It’s really hard when you feel criticized for something that feels beyond your control. When was the last time, or any other past occasions, that made you feel this way when you were criticized?

  5. Have you tried any other ways to distract yourself when you feel the urge to pick? Can you recall if you’ve ever tried anything before?

Remember, it’s okay to seek help. Managing these feelings can be challenging, but with the right support and strategies, it’s possible to find relief and improve your well-being. You’re showing a lot of courage by reaching out and seeking solutions.

Take care, and we hope to hear from you again soon. We’re here for you.

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