Ever since I was a kid, I would pick at my skin or bite my nails. Whether it be a pimple or bug bite, I would often find myself picking at them when I felt overwhelmed, nervous or just couldn’t concentrate. Although I have tried to stop this habit, I sometimes can’t help it. 

These past two weeks have been rough, my ex ended things with me and I had been stuck at home studying for midterms. A few days ago I took one of my hardest exams. During the exam I couldn’t focus or relax and I instinctively started to pick at a small pimple at my face and then another. By the time I finished the exam, my face was red, swollen and my pimple had turned into an open wound. The swelling has gone down since then but they are not completely healed. Tonight, I ran into my mom with no makeup on and she commented on my face. She said since breaking up with my significant other, I had let myself go and that my that my face looks terrible. I know she didn’t mean it cruelly. After all, I have lesions on my face….but that didn’t stop me from crying. 

I honestly don’t know what’s wrong with me and I know I need to see a professional. I’ve never been diagnosed with anything but after tonight I’m seriously considering going to someone next week. But despite that, I feel genuinely hurt and need advice and support.