Is this habit a sin

[Thyme]

Please forgive me for describing my gross habit, but I really don’t know if it’s a sin or not.

For many years I have had this horrible habit, where I pick my back. I have lots of small scabs and scars, but I find it really difficult to stop myself. I do it alot and have tried stopping, but kept failing. Today, I tried to not do it at all for God, but I only did it a little bit less and I feel like it’s a sin because it basically means I’ve put my habit before God.

Is this a sin?

Also, if I do stop this habit, will it be a sin (due to vanity) to have skin therapy to have the scars on my back removed? It may seem unnecessary as backs are covered, but its the high end of my back as well, meaning that I can only buy summer clothes if they have a high back (many have a slight curve) and hide my shoulders. It’s really difficult to buy clothes.

 

[BGorski]

I’m no authority on backs, but seem to be working towards a masters in sin. But I would think that unless you do it in front somebody, offend them by doing it, and continue to do it you are committing a sin. The sin however is in my opinion the knowing offense of someone.

There are plenty of habits that are worse, and are sinful. Some because they offend God, and some because they offend others (and God)

Forgive my candor, but perhaps this is more of a sin of scupulosity. Work on getting rid of the habit with God’s help. You will be blessed for your attempt, not only your success.

Unless of course you Backslide…sorry the pun was just laying there. I had to pick it up!!!

That pun is probably a sin.

 

[Joe_Kelley]

Intentionally damaging ones body is a sin. The gravity would depend on how much damage one does. The guilt would depend on the degree of consent one gives to doing it.

 

[Thyme]

Thanks for these answers. Obviously, it isn’t a good thing, so it would be offending God, but I assumed that it’s only little harm to my body and isn’t offending anyone else, so assumed it wouldn’t be a sin.

It’s really difficult to stop. I feel like I have to do it. I managed to stop for about a week a few times, but then did it subconsciously and it started again. I know that if I can stop for long enough for everything to turn to scar, I could have the skin therapy and wouldn’t do it again, but it’s like trying to change your personality. While you concentrate on it you can, but once you focus on something else, your subconscious kicks in and you become yourself again.

 

[inocente]

Have you talked to your doctor? Skin picking and hair pulling are fairly common compulsions, so he/she should know how to help you. If they suggest something you’re not sure about, such as self-hypnosis :whacky: or psychotherapy, discuss it with your priest before accepting. Main thing, you’re not alone.

 

[Zatzat]

Go see a doctor. A doctor can help you.

 

[Thyme]

Have you talked to your doctor? Skin picking and hair pulling are fairly common compulsions, so he/she should know how to help you. If they suggest something you’re not sure about, such as self-hypnosis :whacky: or psychotherapy, discuss it with your priest before accepting. Main thing, you’re not alone.

Go see a doctor. A doctor can help you

Thank you for your replies. To be honest, I haven’t considered going to a doctor. I’ve thought of hypnotherapy though, but last time I tried it (for something else), it did not work. Knowing that it’s a sin though, has helped me do it less today. I’ll talk to my priest about it and if it continues, I will see a doctor.

Thanks again!

 

[Della]

Intentionally damaging ones body is a sin. The gravity would depend on how much damage one does. The guilt would depend on the degree of consent one gives to doing it.

Not if it’s a compulsion. If a person is doing it as the OP is–without even thinking–it’s a medical problem not a sin. I agree with others who advised seeing a doctor ASAP.