“how do i stop this ”
hi my name is Rose I am 11 and I have a problem first of all I wanted to say I have anxiety, severe depression, and insomnia does affect my daily life a lot and one of those things I think it’s connected I think I picked out my feet 24 seven well not 24 seven but I pick up them whenever I’m bored whenever I’m stressed or whenever I’m anxious and I don’t know what to do I’ve talk to my parents about it but they don’t know any of this stuff so I need a recommendation from a doctor so I went on here thank you
Female | 11 years old
Complaint duration: i don’t understand this question
Medications: fluoxetine
Conditions: Anxiety, severe depression, insomnia
4 Answers
AdolescentPsychiatristAnxiety
Hi Rose,
First, thank you for being so brave and honest in talking about what you’re going through. It’s not easy to share things like this—especially when it feels like no one really understands. I want you to know that what you're dealing with is real, and you deserve help and support.
You mentioned that you have anxiety, depression, and trouble sleeping—and that you pick at your feet a lot, especially when you’re bored, stressed, or anxious. That behavior is something we call a body-focused repetitive behavior (BFRB), and it can be the brain’s way of trying to deal with strong emotions like stress or anxiety. It’s common in kids and adults who struggle with anxiety or depression, and it’s not your fault.
Here are a few things you can try that might help:
Keep your hands busy – Try using a fidget toy, squishy ball, clay, or textured object when you feel like picking. Some people even keep a special “calm box” with things that help distract them.
Notice when you pick – Is it when you’re feeling sad, nervous, or just sitting still? The more you understand your patterns, the more control you’ll have.
Try a soothing activity – Listening to music, drawing, deep breathing, or even a warm bath at night can calm your mind and help reduce the urge to pick.
Talk to a therapist – Since you’re already taking fluoxetine, it means a doctor is helping you with your depression. A Psychiatrist would be most appropriate. But therapy, especially CBT (Cognitive Behavioral Therapy), can teach you new ways to handle stress, anxiety, and picking behaviors. It really helps a lot of kids with the same kinds of challenges.
I’m really glad you’re reaching out. Please show this message to your parents and ask them to help you find a therapist who works with kids. You are not alone, and with the right support, you can feel better.
You’re already doing the hardest part—asking for help. That’s a big deal, Rose. Keep going.
First, thank you for being so brave and honest in talking about what you’re going through. It’s not easy to share things like this—especially when it feels like no one really understands. I want you to know that what you're dealing with is real, and you deserve help and support.
You mentioned that you have anxiety, depression, and trouble sleeping—and that you pick at your feet a lot, especially when you’re bored, stressed, or anxious. That behavior is something we call a body-focused repetitive behavior (BFRB), and it can be the brain’s way of trying to deal with strong emotions like stress or anxiety. It’s common in kids and adults who struggle with anxiety or depression, and it’s not your fault.
Here are a few things you can try that might help:
Keep your hands busy – Try using a fidget toy, squishy ball, clay, or textured object when you feel like picking. Some people even keep a special “calm box” with things that help distract them.
Notice when you pick – Is it when you’re feeling sad, nervous, or just sitting still? The more you understand your patterns, the more control you’ll have.
Try a soothing activity – Listening to music, drawing, deep breathing, or even a warm bath at night can calm your mind and help reduce the urge to pick.
Talk to a therapist – Since you’re already taking fluoxetine, it means a doctor is helping you with your depression. A Psychiatrist would be most appropriate. But therapy, especially CBT (Cognitive Behavioral Therapy), can teach you new ways to handle stress, anxiety, and picking behaviors. It really helps a lot of kids with the same kinds of challenges.
I’m really glad you’re reaching out. Please show this message to your parents and ask them to help you find a therapist who works with kids. You are not alone, and with the right support, you can feel better.
You’re already doing the hardest part—asking for help. That’s a big deal, Rose. Keep going.
You could be having an excoriation disorder which is a mental health issue that presents in compulsive skin picking.
Hi Rose. First, you are very resourceful and smart to have come on this forum. I will answer your question and I want you to share it with your folks.
Problem #1 is that your fluoxetine is not doing the job. It is not the greatest for treating anxiety. Talk with your doctor about buspirone as a second medication that is specifically made to treat anxiety. It can be added to the fluoxetine. If your doctor is not a child psychiatrist, then it is time to see one. They are more knowledgeable about these things and may be more comfortable with medications like buspirone or gabapentin to treat anxiety. As for what you can do.
#1 wear socks and change them at least twice a day
#2 - treat your skin on your feet with a cream for athlete's foot - this will help them heal and soften them so there is not so much to pick at
#3 - wear gloves - like winter gloves or mittens. This will serve as a reminder not to pick.
#4 - get a fidget toy or some beads on a string to fidget with when you are feeling anxious.
Problem #1 is that your fluoxetine is not doing the job. It is not the greatest for treating anxiety. Talk with your doctor about buspirone as a second medication that is specifically made to treat anxiety. It can be added to the fluoxetine. If your doctor is not a child psychiatrist, then it is time to see one. They are more knowledgeable about these things and may be more comfortable with medications like buspirone or gabapentin to treat anxiety. As for what you can do.
#1 wear socks and change them at least twice a day
#2 - treat your skin on your feet with a cream for athlete's foot - this will help them heal and soften them so there is not so much to pick at
#3 - wear gloves - like winter gloves or mittens. This will serve as a reminder not to pick.
#4 - get a fidget toy or some beads on a string to fidget with when you are feeling anxious.
Thank you for reaching out! I had sufferred from something similar as a child. It sounds like it stems from anxiety. But I also wonder if there is ADHD. Talk to your doctor, Sounds like you are on a good medication. What also helped is someone rubbing your feet with lotion and soaking it in clean warm water. Have you thought about getting therapy, I think that would help too.
Hope that helps.
Dr Sangra
Hope that helps.
Dr Sangra
