Dermatillomania can be hard to talk about. Let's draw about it.
This is a growing collection of art by individuals who have suffered with Skin Picking Disorder.
Acting as a visual portrayal of their journey, these drawings help other sufferers understand they're not alone.
(We are currently accepting submissions but have a delay in displaying them. Please stay tuned)
-
@ausgetindert, Lis Walter, 24, Non-binary, Hamburg, Germany -
@livsartworld, Olivia Howley, 22, Cambridge, MA, 5/10/21
"Trying to channel my frustration and also numbness regarding my skin picking behaviors. Sometimes words are not enough so symbols and pictures. I have studied art therapy , fine arts and psychology so seeing them all merge in my personal life is incredibly rewarding.I feel an incredible sense of security knowing I am not the only one who has these feelings and behaviors regarding my skin. Thank you"
-
@livsartworld, Olivia Howley, 22, Cambridge, MA, 5/10/21
"Trying to channel my frustration and also numbness regarding my skin picking behaviors. Sometimes words are not enough so symbols and pictures. I have studied art therapy , fine arts and psychology so seeing them all merge in my personal life is incredibly rewarding.I feel an incredible sense of security knowing I am not the only one who has these feelings and behaviors regarding my skin. Thank you"
-
@carlys.creatives, Carly Smart, 21, Great Britain
"I struggled most during lockdown, that's when it became a struggle for my day to day chores. I had too much time on my hands and spent too much of that time picking. The first lockdown was when I found myself rocking plasters all over my face! Trends have to start somewhere!" -
@ekidandan, Dani Martinez, 23, Arkansas
-
@elliejoyart, Ellie Joy, 22, Great Britain
"In my experience I have found my dermatillomania to be fuelled by my primary mental illnesses. For years I have been unable to stop my compulsion to pick at myself. An episode can last up to an hour, whereby I will use a torch and tweezers, my fingers and even a scalpel at times to scrutinise my skin and pick until it is red, sore and covered in lesions. The aftermath is shameful, my body is covered in scars from head to toe and leads me to hide away from self loathing at what I have done to my appearance and as I didn’t understand what lead me to these episodes. In my mind it was simply a bad habit that people would regard as disgusting. No matter how many times I would try to stop, I would always come back to my compulsions. Awareness of this condition is still extremely low as it can be misconceived as simply a symptom of a mental illness, yet this is its own disorder which also needs treatment. For me, I find that low self esteem, stress and anxiety are often the main factors that compel me. It’s been suggested that less than a fifth of dermatillomania sufferers actually get the help they need due to embarrassment or the conception that it is untreatable. Sadly mental illnesses are never pretty and can often manifest themselves in our personal appearances, there is no shame in ever seeking help for behaviour in yourself that you recognise as unhealthy." -
@roroleboat, Aurora Green, Alabama
"I wanted to show what life is life with dermatillomania by painting a picture of a thumbs up that has wounds on it. But I'm still going and still fighting to end my battle, hence the thumbs up." -
Lucy G., 31, BC, Canada, 10/11.2021
"Keep your chin held high little critter, beauty is more than skin deep.
Sometimes it can be hard to show yourself the kindness you show others. Look in your eyes in the mirror and talk to yourself like you would your closest friend. I'm so glad I found this foundation, it's helped me a lot with my confidence."
