Hi Emma,

Thank you for taking the time to share your story with us here. I can hear how long you’ve been struggling with this issue — it sounds as though it’s both painful and embarrassing for you and I’d imagine that only adds to the frustration in being unable to stop. It sounds as though you have a birthday coming up that is really causing you to reflect on how long this problem has been with you.

I wonder if there has been a time since you were 6 or 7 where you were able to stop or where the urge wasn’t so great? Are there times now when things feel calmer for you?

We are here to support you in your journey Emma — and we also have a live chat service nightly 6-11pm PST (and until midnight on Fridays and Saturdays) if you ever want to chat and get a more immediate response.

The Support Team