Compulsion diversions

[baseballbabe]

Hi, I think one of my compulsions is weird. I don't have it every day but it's the sign that I'm about to suffer through a bad patch. I lick my lips. Constantly. Until they are bright red, dry and chapped. It hurts physically and it's embarrassing emotionally. Does anyone else do this? Any ideas on how to deal with it? I know we're not doctors. I'm just curious what you think you'd do.Thank you!

[TomFed]

If you do it to manage anxiety that comes from O part of the OCD, then definitely it counts as a compulsion. As any other compulsion, you have to stop it if you want your condition to get better.

[Sallyskins]

I'm not expert on motor tics, but it could be one - related to Tourette's, which often crosses over with OCD. But it could also just be a reaction to stress.

It's hard to know what to do, particularly if it's a sort of automatic reaction. Try stopping once you're aware that you're doing it.

But dealing with the causes of the lip-licking is just as important. Learning to take the stress off yourself could help with this. Creative hobbies or pastimes can help, like art and drawing, or needlework. They concentrate the mind and can have a meditative effect on the brain, and creative work is enjoyable in itself. I do lots of needlework - sewing, patchwork, applique etc and that works well for me.

Make sure that you use a good quality lip balm as well to deal with the inflammation.