Mental Health Tip of the Day.
I remember when a well-meaning family member told me that if i didn't stop tearing the skin off my fingers boys wouldn't want to hold my hand.
I was 10. Maybe 11.
Of all the worst things you could tell a tween with anxiety and panic issues, this would be right up near the top of the list.
Still. The advice was meant to be helpful. Probably motivating enough for the occasional picker.
BUT I was not casual. I started tearing at my feet at 5 years old. To make the skin even. Peel a layer, another layer to even things out. Do the surgery on myself that could not save my father's life. All without knowing why.
So If you have a 10 year old who is ripping their skin off in your own family, consider not saying this to them and instead suggesting some help for anxiety and OCD issues. They will do better with boys long term if they aren't living in a total hell of agonizing distress.
Ya you know me!
