i’ve had similar for 10 years and my best advice is to learn your triggers. some people do it to self soothe (like a body-focused repetitive disorder (dermatillomania) or it can even be an autistic stim) BUT it can also be more of an OCD spectrum thing (where it’s a compulsion aka temporary “solution” to your anxiety).

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we can tend to be in autopilot during picking episodes, so the more aware you can become of your body and of what you feel leading up to episodes, the more you’ll understand where they come from. also don’t beat yourself up over not being able to go cold turkey on breaking the habit; gradual reduction (in episode length, frequency, intensity) tends to be a far more sustainable goal!

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