Do you tend to bite your nails often? Is it something you have found yourself doing lately or have been at it for a while?
Are you wondering if it could be due to anxiety or just a bad habit? Let us discuss!
If you are a nail-biter, you probably do not like to admit to anyone that you do this. For some, this can be pretty embarrassing to acknowledge, and that is why you are here!
It is important to simplify a couple of facts about nail-biting before diving into what’s causing your… bad habit??
So… What exactly is nail-biting?
Nail biting, also known as onychophagia or onychophagy, is a chronic condition that is repetitive and compulsive in nature. It is considered a pathological oral habit and grooming disorder that is destructive to your fingernails and surrounding tissues. It affects 20-30% of the population, and it is the most common body-focused repetitive behavior. This behavior generally begins in childhood or adolescence, although it may unusually start in adulthood. A nail-biting habit can be a temporary or a long-term problem. In rare cases, it is a side effect of taking medications. But for most people, this habit is automatic, doing it without even thinking about it.
Although no one really knows why, let us take a more in-depth look at the potentially different causes of nail-biting, including stress and anxiety.
What causes nail-biting?
*Boredom or Frustration: Nail biting may be due to being hungry, bored, feeling frustrated, and impatient.
*Nervous Habit: Your nail-biting habit may be just that, a habit; A bad habit you have picked up along the way.
*Anxiety: If you have found yourself biting your nails a lot lately, you may be suffering from stress or anxiety.
*Learned Behavior: Nail biting behavior could be passed down from parents because children tend to mimic their caregiver’s actions.
*Psychiatric Disorders: There is a high rate of psychiatric disorders among nail biters.
*Freud: Your nail-biting habit can be an oral fixation.
*Self-Hatred: Nail biting can become a form of aggression against yourself. It can manifest as a form of self-hatred.
Now that we have explored the possible causes of nail-biting, let us move on to the side effects and risks that may come with this habit. These include:
*Soreness of the nails and surrounding skin.
*Fungal Infections.
*Abnormal-looking nails.
*Illnesses due to bacteria & viruses passing from fingers to mouth.
*Harm in teeth, including chipping, misalignment, and dental resorption.
*Swallowing bitten-off nails can increase the risk of stomach & intestinal infections.
It is vital to understand why nail-biting can negatively impact a person’s life. It can be shameful for a nail-biter to recognize this and admit it to their loved ones or friends. But it is important to understand that there is no need to feel any shame whatsoever because by talking to someone about it, you can heal and move on in life. The fact that a person is willing to admit a shadow part of themselves is the first step to seeking help.
If you or anyone you know is a nail-biter being deeply affected by this obsession, do not be afraid to look for help! Inform yourself and spread the word about the behavior. You might think this is something so minor that no one cares about, but you never know whose life you can change by just sharing your healing process and experience.
So… You might be wondering now, how do I stop biting my nails??? Well, here’s how!
How to stop biting your nails?
*Trim or manicure your nails often. You won’t believe the difference this can make!
*Coat nails with bitter polish. No one likes a nasty taste in their mouths!
*If your nail-biting habit is pretty bad, cover your nails. Feel free to stop yourself by wearing mittens or gloves.
*Get to know yourself. Identify & treat your triggers.
*Make gradual changes and have patience. Habits do not go away overnight!
*Do not hesitate to look for help. Go to a specialized cognitive behavioral therapist!
*Find a substitute, like a stress ball or worry stone, and carry it with you always. You might find yourself upgrading your nail-biting habit for a better one!
Again, be easy on yourself! Do not be ashamed or afraid to ask for help! Get to know yourself well so you can slowly understand more and eventually avoid the behavior!
