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2. Dermatophagia

My dermatophagia is not something I have spoken about before. It's still something I am coming to terms with. But I know that many people struggle with it and I want to be encouragement that it's possible to overcome.
So, what is Dermatophagia?

It is an obsessive compulsive disorder that makes one rip their skin apart, namely around the fingers and inside of the mouth. These people (me included) are known as 'wolf biters'. It is also sometimes accompanied by anxiety.

I have been highly ashamed of this for years. It's only recently that I discovered that I have a disorder. As I have previously discussed, however, I see this more as something to overcome than live with. I became so obsessed with my hands. I would hide them in any way possible, and refused to shake someone's hand or pass objects to them. I would also use this as a form of self harm (although I fully believe that Dermatophagia is not a self harm disorder!). But I also started praying a lot. I fully believe that it's this prayer that's the reason I have been 3 weeks without hurting myself in any way...longer than I've ever gone. Jesus is the number one place I go to for my strength, and he always comes through! This is one of my proudest testimonies and one I am grateful to be able to share.

I would like to create awareness of this disorder and boldly say that it is nothing to be ashamed of. It is fully possible to overcome and there is no reason to think of yourself as weird or disgusting because of it.
Yoga is a great way to help with this...It clears your mind and helps you to focus on being healthy and strong. Working on your confidence is also key, because when you love yourself it's easier to fight the urge to hurt yourself.
Giving yourself a pretty manicure is also amazing! Because you fear ruining it, you really think twice about hurting yourself.

This disorder is still difficult for me to discuss, but if it encourages even 1 person, it's worth it. So support #dermatophagia and help people understand that it's not a battle they have to go through alone.

Praying for all of you

Xx

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