<p>I have had, for a long time, issues with stress and axiety. The majority of the time, it is under control. However, it has resurfaced again in the form of me digging my scalp raw. Let me explain a bit.</p>
<p>When i was younger, i would do the same thing to my arms when i was in school (was bullied really bad). This started happening after my parents went through a very nasty devorce. It eventually went away after I moved.</p>
<p>Now, it has appeared again. Right now we have some relatives staying to visit. It has been stressful, and to show it i have a spot on my head about a fifty cent peace or so in size.</p>
<p>I do not realize i’m doing it when i do it. It normally happens when i’m distracted and such.</p>
<p>Yesterday was very stressful for me and I have no doubt this is when it started.</p>
<p>I know it isn’t a skin condition because after i switched to an all natural shampoo my dandriff and other issues disappears.</p>
<p>I have been taught how to cope with such things as this (namely identifying what is causing me to do this and finding ways to deal with it and perhaps removing myself from the situation).</p>
<p>As for today, outside of nicitys and such, I pretty much stayed in my room (they went out and about). Only a few more days, but still.</p>
<p>Got any ideas for me to try? I’ve been trying to distract myself (such as ordering something online that i wanted and having it delievered this week; playing on my comp, getting on here, etc).</p>
<p>Thought i’d ask, couldn’t hurt any at this point.</p>
<p>Heavy exertion such as running or a basketball game. You’ll put all your tension and focus into the physical activity, and afterwards you will feel more relaxed and less compulsive.</p>
<p>I agree with the heavy exercise as a short-term fix. (Actually, I think exercise should be done routinely for all sorts of reasons, but that’s another thread.) Have you discussed this with a doctor? This may be a form of OCD, and medication can help.</p>
<p>All above are great ideas. As for the scalp scratching, would you feel comfortable putting on a pair of thin gloves (silk or the ones you use in the shower) so your nails dont irritate your scalp? If anyone says something you can just say you have hand cream on (there ae plenty of hand treatments that have you wear gloves to work). In fact-- treat yourself to one!</p>
<p>Trim your nails and use the diversion technique eireann mentioned above. Since you seem you be a knowledgeable dog owner, some of the similar concepts for training one apply. When your dog is doing something you don’t want, divert its energy into another activity. Or if a dog is anxious, tire it out.</p>
<p>It’s not clear in your post if you have ever sought counseling for this. If you haven’t you should. The issue of the hair scratching aside, the underlying anxiety and stress must be very uncomfortable. I would strongly recommend finding a therapist who specializes in anxiety/ocd. Medications and behavioral therapy can improve your life dramatically.</p>
<p>Along the lines of finding ways to distract/prevent yourself from touching your skin - perhaps you can try carrying around fidget toys, worry stones, stress balls, or engage in other crafts/activities to keep your hands busy?</p>
<p>Give your hands something else to do. Take up knitting (you can do it at work when your hands aren’t otherwise occupied), stress balls, etc.</p>
<p>I also agree that you should talk to a counselor. If you’re unaware that you’re doing it, it’s a nervous habit and could be a symptom of OCD or another anxiety disorder (COULD be. I’m not a licensed therapist.)</p>
<p>Psychologist can also give you more/better tips for dealing with stress and anxiety. Drugs are not necessarily involved, especially if you see a psychologist over a psychiatrist (then they DEFINITELY would not be involved, unless the psychologist thinks it’s necessary and refers you to a psychiatrist.)</p>
<p>Honestly, I think that distraction techniques are not going to help in the long run. The OP stated that she doesn’t know when she’s doing this so it is hard to distract yourself from something that you don’t know you are doing. Wearing gloves or a hat is not practical and may call attention to the behavior, making her even more stressed.</p>
<p>OP, there are people who are trained to help with this. Many, many people have similar issues. You’re not alone. Do you have any friends that see a therapist? Someone whose opinion you can trust? I would start there. Sometimes it takes a while to find the right person but, when you do, it can be life altering.</p>
<p>Short term find something to do with hands, rubics cube, rubber band on wrist, twirling s pencil</p>
<p>Long term, talk to someone.</p>
<p>What is it aboutntjese people visiting that causes stress? The disorder? The noise? The conversation? Do you like them? What exactly triggers the stress?</p>
<p>I was going to suggest something to keep your hands and brain busy…scrapbooking, knitting/crochet, color by number, after some good physical exercise, perhaps something like tai chi or yoga or even boxing lessons.</p>
<p>It may take a few months, but you can break the habit even though (as you know) most of the time you don’t even realize you’re doing it. For me it was pulling the hair on my face. Right hand only. (Imagine what it’s like walking around with just one eyebrow.)</p>
<p>I did ALL the things prior posters mentioned PLUS I tried to monitor the position of my right hand. “Hand on head” is not ordinary behavior … just one more reason to break this habit. Good luck!</p>
<p>Thank you everyone. I have been to see psychyatrists and such many times (several years worth) and my last one was very stress oriented (learned how to cope with it better then).</p>
<p>It only seems to show up when i am very stressed (thinking back on it, i did a bit before a few minutes before i had to have surgery). I’ll be busy today and in my down time i think i might just stuff my psp or something in my pocket so when i sit down my hands will be busy. </p>
<p>I’ve told my mom and grandma so they know now (and most likely will toss a pillow at me or something when i start doing it). </p>
<p>Its only a couple more days. Once I remove myself from the issue it will most likely stop.</p>
<p>I’ve even set a goal for myself (i work very well with those). If i don’t do it anymore, I will fix my favorite dinner after they leave. :)</p>