Want needles put in my arm

[Malina]

So yeah, recently I get this tingling in my upper arm and just really want a needle put in, which is kinda freaking me out a little bit.
I told my dad and a few friends about this and they all think I'm a 'different' sort of person, aka a psychopath. I'm already known as the mentally unstable freak at school and this has amplified that x)

I'm aware this isn't normal or anything but it's something that's been over my head for a while and I'm getting a bit worried about it, anyone have any ideas what may be causing it ? I've fainted from having a vaccine before but now I really can't resist having a needle stuck in my arm
I've also done 'emo activities' (trying to word that carefully) but have stopped for a while and have been wanting to do that as well, could it be linked ?

[Captain Degenerate]

Thats definately odd do you physically enjoy pain or is it just like a compulsion to do it regardless of if you like it or not? I'm guessing the latter cuz an IV made you faint.


And as for the "emo activities" what was the reason for that? You can just PM if you dont wanna put on the thread or just not tell if you dont feel comfy talkin about it at all.

[Malina]

I think it may be a mix of both. Pain is honestly more or less welcomed to me, stops my mind wandering and helps me focus really


I passed out from that injection like 7 years ago when I was getting the injections before we immigrated to the UK and haven't had one in like 3 years, although I'll probably need some soon (or I'll donate blood in a couple months)
It may be from my desire to have hormonal treatment (oestrogen injections and the sort) although that will be several years away if it happens


I've also considered a job as a paramedic, which obviously involves needles, maybe that's also a thing??

[kylethefox]

how odd, ive never known someone who wanted to put a needle in the arm, though i knew there were people that enjoy pain, the only advice i would have would be to find a way to distract yourself with something, mabye a hobby, or watch shows or play video games, or (if your not like me and have irl friends) hang out with your friends more, i hope you find something that works and i hope you dont put one in your arm, i do want to jump off buildings for some odd reason, and i had a major urge to do it one time, (even though i didn't want to die) mabye we all get different weird urges??

[Malina]

Just another way which makes me so special!! ^_____^
   
Is ignoring it really the best thing to do? Cuz I've been doing that for a while now and it's just gotten worse rip
I've been using pushpins and paperclips for the time being but yeah,
(whilst writing that I remembered I used to stick sewing needles in my hand during art at school)

[Armalite_]

I'm not a physician but I cannot conceive a single reason for sticking pointy objects into your skin would do much good to a tingly feeling. Acupuncture is something different. You could give yourself nerve damage if you keep it up.

I would suggest seeing a doctor to see what's up.

[Malina]

Could be acupuncture I guess
And the doctor probably won't do anything tbh, I'm still waiting on an appointment for gender dysphoria diagnosis but I could mention it to him when that time comes (aka in 10 years, thanks torys!)


Thanks for all the replies as well!

[Farrow]

The purpose of acupuncture is that is has no physical sensation. The needles are so thin, your body doesn't register they pierce the skin.

I'm not a psychologist, but I do have many years' worth of personal experience with obsessive/compulsive sensations--I am fighting against trichotillomania and dermatillomania. Both are disorders characterized by a need to do so ritually, and are often just habit--you don't think about needing to pull, you just do it. The need to insert something into your body may also fall under the same category. If you feel any kind of "satisfaction" from inserting a needle, or you imaging that you would.


It hurts when I pull out my hair or pick at a sensitive scab, but I don't derive any "pleasure" from doing so. It's more of a tension-pain; I'm releasing physical stress from my body. Perhaps you feel like the pain distracts your mind/calms your nerves rather than being a masochist. But that's a whole other topic I don't feel comfortable delving into.

Where exactly do you want to insert needles? Is there tingling, itching, or pain? Have you ever been afraid of needles or do you have body modifications? Do you have any pre-existing psychological or physical illnesses, or a family history of mental illness? These are just some questions you will be asked if you are ever seen by a professional.

This is an interesting case, I would try to pinpoint exactly when this urge could have developed. Most impulses, believe it or not, aren't impulsive at all--just the sum of decisions you make triggered when emotional or inebriated.

You don't sound psychotic. But I would suggest getting to the root of the situation before your impulses get out of hand. Which can happen rather quickly. Please, stay safe and don't insert anything foreign into your body without the consent of a medical professional. You may infect yourself or you may have an allergic reaction to a certain metal or alloid from a needle or similar object.

[Ventus Fall]

I would say it's concerning, but not that you're a psychopath xD

I would indeed advise you talk to a professional about it, even if your GP is being rather... welll... slow?
Since you are also waiting for an appointment regarding your gender stuff (apologies, I can't find the correct terms, still recovering ^^; ), I would poke them on a regular bases: "Hey guys, still waiting for that appointment, any news? OH btw I also want to have an appointment about wanting to poke needles in my arm."
See what they'll say
I dunno.
Bad advice, maybe...
Well, not as in... just keep bothering them. I've done that myself with doctors and they'll start to realise I do think it's a problem worth talking about

[Malina]

It's really just in the upper arm, where injections are usually given; I'd also say they're because of my want for hormonal treatment (I was talking to a friend about this a few days ago and he mentioned if I wanted hormonal treatment they'd stick needles in me and I probably didn't want that, to which I replied I've been craving it )


I might call the doctor to say 'Yo why is this taking so long' but with the state of our NHS that might take a very long time,
I suspected my mum may have cancelled my appointment (she hates the thought of me being anything other than male) but my dad told me she wouldn't do that. I thought she might have tried so after my last appointment I gave them my number to call instead of my parents, so it should be less of a risk


Maybe I'll talk to the school counsellor as well, she's always helpful
Thanks for your replies though !

[uhh]

Hm. I too have done those 'emo activities' in the past and later in life found myself 'craving' a fix or something. I think it might be a mixture of you wanting your hormone treatment and maybe past experiences. Have you been under a lot of stress lately, I ask because when you hurt yourself you naturally release dopamine to combat the pain and maybe your body is naturally just craving pain to feel better.


If it gets any worse (i.e totally uncontrollable urge) seek medical help, we'd hate to lose a furry here! But you're not a psychopath, you're a just a normal gal with a weird craving, but we're all weird so we love you.


And don't do it! Don't hurt yourself.

[Malina]

Yeah life is pretty much upside down right now, and I don't fully understand why myself. It feels like the tines we moved house but I don't think we'll be doing that soon, so I don't really know
Stress is like constant currently although I'd like to think I'm managing alright xD


Could just be my body wanting to feel good (inc) again, could be something I have no idea about either
Thanks for the comment anyhow, I do appreciate it ^^;

[uhh]

No problem, we all just want to see you feel better.


As for the stress part, I hope everything gets better and you don't feel so stressed soon.


I coughed up a bit of my soda when I read your reference, gah you're cool.