Hello Michael,
Welcome to the forums. I’m glad you reached out here ☺️
I have a very similar issue that has been a part of my life for a very long time. It might be worth doing a google search on Body Focused Repetitive Behaviors (or BFRBs), to see if you relate. These are mental health conditions, so it’s ok to reach out for help because you shouldn’t have to go through this alone. There is an international organisation website you can look up which you might find helpful:
https://www.bfrb.org/learn-about-bfrbs
If your symptoms are bothering you it might be worth getting some psychological help. If you go to your GP and ask for a Mental Health Care Plan you will be able to access 10 free sessions with a psychologist per year. The psychologist will be able to explore what you’re experiencing and help you to develop skills to manage it. Usually these symptoms come up in relation to underlying anxiety, and if that’s the case they will be able to help you with that too.
I just want to say too that it’s totally ok that you ask for help with this. I can sense in your post that you’re cautious about reaching out or telling anyone what’s happening for you. But it really is okay. People who struggle with these issues come from all walks of life, all ages and levels of severity. You are no less deserving of help than anyone else. It’s nothing to be ashamed about and is not a very rare condition. Please reach out for help if you feel you need it.
Take care
Alexlisa
