This has a very strong message. You are definately right in saying that this is a disorder that requires help as well as understanding from the people involved. It can be unbearably frustrating and sometimes others can't see that the person with the disorder is frustrated as well.

I have a very minor case of dermatillomania, which isn't quite the same as OCD, but does have things in common. I sought help and have largely taken control of the problem but I still get into fights with my family over it on rare occasions. It is a shame how few people actually take the time to learn about these things.

Ah, enough rambling The piece is wonderfully written and brings the point across with the sharp conclusion. Great writing!

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Thanks

One of the worst things about this is the way it isn't just focused on one person, like most psychiatric disorders. And yes, it's often ignored that the person wants to break out of the cycle, too.

I'm surprised that the dermatillomania is a problem at all--it just seems a lot more personal, and since it's fortunately minor you should be safe from the worst side effects. (I know someone who does it with hair, fortunately hers isn't the dangerous eating of hair kind.)

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ocd

Who doesn't love a good commission?

That is one of the worst aspects for sure.

You'd actually be surprised how much of an impact it has on people besides me, and my case is really minor. In high school I was sent out of one of my classes for distracting other students with my picking and my family gets really grossed out by it so they yell at me when they catch me. Luckily I've never had anyone ask about all of the little scabs and such so it doesn't seem to bother other people unless I'm actively picking.
I believe the one with hair is trichillomania, right? I've seen a documentary on that one before and it looks a great deal worse than what I go through.

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Wow. Sounds incredibly intolerant of the teacher--I have to wonder how they'd react to someone with Tourette's, now that it's a well-known condition...one more reason why spreading the word is important, even if it's terrifying.

Yep, and the one with eating it is something like trichillophagia...oh, Greek. The problem with that one is getting a trichinobezoar (which you shouldn't look up if you're anywhere near food).

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ocd

Who doesn't love a good commission?

I honestly don't think the teacher thought anything of it being a disorder of any sort. Honestly it took me about five years before I started to wonder why, as much as I wanted to stop, I kept doing it. Spreading the word is extremely important for all things. It allows people to remain undefined by their disorders because people develope understanding and tolerance.

Yeah, one of my friends as a kid had a trichinobezoar so I was familiar with that-- nasty stuff for sure.

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Are you looking for a place to have your writing seen AND read?! Come join the strike! *dAWriterStrike

Ah, so recognition is also an issue. I think it's also important just to know why you're doing things, but maybe that's just the scientist in me talking (my inner sociologist was crushed a long time ago). (Serotonin? Dopamine? Yesplease.)

Eeeek....

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ocd

Who doesn't love a good commission?

I agree it is important. I also agree with your inner scientist. It is very important to find these facts out so that the problem can be dealt with. The more effiecently I learn to deal with my depression, the less I pick.

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It's useful! (Also, I love rationalizing.)

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ocd

Who doesn't love a good commission?

I agree. This must be very hard to live with. Poor people who have it. I'm thankful I don't have it however...,but I do sympathize for those who do.

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"I don't believe there is a positive or negative perspective, I just feel whatever I want to at the moment." -Me