re-imagining compulsive skin picking- Liz Atkin

From a young age Liz Atkin released tension in her body by picking at her skin. Sometimes it would be unconscious and she wouldn’t notice her picking begin, sometimes she would pick at her skin until the early hours of the morning, even whilst asleep. It became a private, vicious cycle which dominated her life, littering her face and body with wounds and marks. She hid her picking from friends, family and doctors for more than 25 years. 

Anxiety assaults mind and body, it’s painful and exhausting. It can constrict breathing, cause heart palpitations and a tight thumping sensation in the chest. The sensations are overwhelming and debilitating. 

Feeling uneasy or anxious can be perfectly normal, but some people find it hard to control their worries. But what can you do when the symptoms of anxiety spiral out of control in your life?

Liz suffered in silence for a very long time. The intense anxiety, guilt and shame she felt about something she was doing to her own body was huge, but she felt no control or ability to stop picking.  Liz got to a point where she didn’t want the illness controlling her anymore. The perpetual cycles of shame, embarrassment and anxiety had to stop. It was at this point she discovered what she was experiencing had a name. It is a condition known as Dermatillomania, or Compulsive Skin Picking, a Body Focused Repetitive Behaviour, a treatable mental health condition.

Liz is now an artist and advocate for the condition, and has learnt creative ways to manage her illness. She is reducing the stigma and silence about Dermatillomania and speaks openly about her experiences, helping to inform others. Her story and work has featured in many well-known media outlets including TEDx BBC, Apple, Women's Health USA, The Metro, Buzzfeed, The Londonist, BBC Radio London, AlJazeera and more.

We are honoured that Liz has agreed she will share her deeply moving story for us about her life and the ways she manages her compulsion.

We know you will learn something from Liz’s story, and it will bring you hope as we navigate the ongoing stresses 2020 throws our way. Join us via zoom on Thurs 24th Sept at 12.30, tickets are just £5 but if you are not able to pay to hear Liz talk, do let us know. After the talk there will be a chance to ask questions.