Nail Biting

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As far back as I can remember I've been biting my nails. And as far back as I can remember I've been doing it excessively, beyond where they should be bit. Not everyone brings it up with me, but I can assume that it must be a pretty strong turn off to anyone who takes care of their nails, and that I must look pretty stupid with a finger always in my mouth, cocked at some odd angle as I try to get that bit of nail I've singled out off my finger.

I've made efforts to stop in the past, and I know that on at least one occasion, although Im sure there have been multiple, my nails have grown back enough for me to be happy with them. But theres always something that makes me start back up after seeing that bit of white nail that everyone in my situation seeks so desperately.

Sometimes, after theyve grown out some, I will give in and allow myself to bite down on my newfound petruding fingernails, without breaking the nail. Just enough to exert pressure. But this always seems to lead to the actual nail biting, and I'll find myself in the same situation two months down the road, wondering what went wrong.

Usually while Im in that phase, I also subject my nails to picking, or anything that results in that release of tension. I believe this has also lead to a form of subconcious trich, as I have had plenty of problems with my hair lately, and I am always playing with it. I never pay attention to the process of biting my nails although I am definitely aware of it happening, and I believe that this lack of attention to the actual process is where the problem with my hair lies.

I have read that nailbiting, trich, and skin picking are all associated together, based off of the release feeling that compulsive abusers of the feeling feel from it, and that many people who have one of these problems also has another. I was wondering if anyone has any tips for self control, and bringing it into the concious thought process to overcome my subconcious urges. I will start reading something, or watching something suspensful, and before I know it, there goes my finger in my mouth, or my fingers to my scalp. Anyone have any simular experiences or even better any success stories out there of overcoming this release feeling?

Well I heard of 2 methods of breaking the habit that might be affective works for some might not work for others. First for your nails you might want to apply something dislike very much you won't like the taste and it will make you break the habit. I suggest eighter something real spicy or sour green pepper or jalepino. Another thing I might suggest is get a friend to tie you down and ask you if like biting your nails everytime you say yes or want to he will hit you or do somethig that might hurt you it might break the habit.

True, but that will also teach you not to rub your eyes alot.

Yes, Im aware of the spicy nail method haha. The problem is that there are so many openings and cuts around my fingernails from biting at them that it would most likely just irritate my fingers, so I havent ever tried that method. Also, I dont think I would be able to keep up with putting something like that on my nails each day.

In reply to:I have read that nailbiting, trich, and skin picking are all associated togetherYes, and they seem often to be variants of OCD, and respond well to SSRI medication. That's something you could consider if non-drug therapies aren't enough.

Well, I just got so fed up with my nail biting... I hated the way they looked, I hated how my nails felt when I chewed too much off, and I hated how I felt I HAD to chew them. I got pissed off, and so I resolved not to chew them. And so I didn't. I also clipped my nails the first couple of weeks, not only to keep them short, which is what I was used to, but also to help stop any breaking from continuing down the nail.