I’m too ashamed to talk to my Bishop, but how can I stop my skinpicking?

Question

Dear Gramps,

I have been struggling with skinpicking (Dermatillomania) since 10 years. I feel so horrible about my picking that I have really low self-esteem. I know our bodies are temples and therefore holy, but I can’t stop the urge to pick. Please help me. Do you know how I can stop this cruel behavior?  Also, I feel too ashamed to talk to my bishop but am not sure if I am still worthy to take the sacrament.

Sincerly,

Anonymous

Answer

Dear Anonymous,

This is a disorder that is beyond my knowledge. Wikipedia tells me, however, that “The two main strategies for treating this condition are pharmacological and behavioral intervention.”

My recommendation is the same. Go get some help from someone qualified to treat this sort of thing.

As far as your worthiness goes, that is a question for your bishop, and you should discuss this with him frankly and openly. Shame is based in pride. Humble yourself and go and talk to him. It is hard. But only blessings and growth will come from humility. Remember Ether 12:27:

“And if men come unto me I will show unto them their weakness. I give unto men weakness that they may be humble; and my grace is sufficient for all men that humble themselves before me; for if they humble themselves before me, and have faith in me, then will I make weak things become strong unto them.”

Gramps