Nail biting problem

[daxy]

Hi, this is my very first post and I am trying to find a solution to my nail biting problem. I have been biting my nails all my life, I was a kid when I started and never managed to stop ever since. I have been reading online and it looks like an OCD symptom. whenever I get anxious about anything I start biting my nails and making my hands look unattractive which also affects my self-confidence when I am doing something I really care about like an interview or going out for a date.

I have read that when it becomes a problem that interferes with this kind of social actions it could be a symptom of a deeper problem that could call for psychotherapy.

Any practical tips from someone who has experienced the same problem for so many years?

Thanks

[Sober2007]

Hi Daxy, I haven't had this issue specifically; however, as a kid and off and on throughout my life, I have had a condition called trichotillomania (hair pulling). I never got help as a kid, and it wasn't until I was much older (fairly recently) that I shared what was going on with my doctor/therapist. I now take a medication for anxiety and depression that has also helped me with it. I'd suggest discussing what you are going through with a medical professional for sure. I know the impact on self-confidence and social interactions that something along these lines can have. I wish you the best finding a solution.

[daxy in reply to Sober2007]

Thank you Sober for your advice. yeah you are right, I should probably discuss this problem with a professional.

[Sober2007 in reply to daxy]

good deal, and best wishes to you

[hlangdon]

i have the same problem also all my life. i've tried the nail biter nail polish that tastes yucky and that didnt help me. So now i just deal with it. I only bite them when they get too long. and of course my cuticles are bitten off or pulled off depending how thick they are.

[daxy in reply to hlangdon]

I know, I do the same with my cuticles as well. I tried already to bite them when they get too long but it didn't work because sometimes I could bite them too much and get my nails really short back to the start point. I can't really control the quantity I am biting if it makes sense.

[hypercat54]

Yes I have always bitten my nails and they look awful. This is very common and is usually a sign of anxiety. However I just decided one day to stop and it worked. I found though that although my nails were lovely, long, and strong etc. that I got very anxious about dirt underneath them and they kept snapping off coz they got too long. I started biting them again then, so whatever you do you can't win!

Why not just buy some false nails and stick them on when you want? It's much easier. x

[daxy]

Hi hyper, my dad used to have the same issue when he was younger and he told me he kinda did what you did, one day he decided to stop and it worked!!! This is crazy for me because I can't just 'stop' like that and even when I tried so I started biting my nails as soon as they were long enough to be bitten.

I could use false nails but I know I would bite them as well lol.

Thank you for your comment and help. x