AbbieSlay

396d

Does anyone have any tips to stop anxiously picking at my fingers? The sides of my fingers are getting torn up because every time I get the slightest bit anxious or even bored I pick at my fingers :/

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Top reply
    • Zero0123

      395d

      Chewing gum, drawing and nic if ur old enough

    • hannahslay

      396d

      I do this too. #sendhelp

    • SmileySnail

      395d

      I do this - it turns out it's a factor of my obsessive compulsive traits, I just can't leave it alone. Unfortunately, I wore down my teeth chewing at the corners of my fingers, so I've had to cut it out a bit because dental stuff freaks me out more than my need to keep chewing

    • Jane_Eyre

      395d

      I have always struggled with this, and a lot more recently. I keep a stress ball or play dough or something to do with my hands when I notice that Ive started picking. Sometimes I can’t stop myself like I’m compelled to do it, but having an alternative visibly available has helped.

    • NelsamWhiskers

      395d

      I like to crochet. It's constructive and not self-harming.

    • schizoboy

      395d

      Yeah I do this too Any advice against ripping off cuticles would be appreciated

    • Zero0123

      395d

      Chewing gum, drawing and nic if ur old enough

      • SmileySnail

        395d

        @Zero0123 oof, if I started nicotine I'd just end up with one more habit to try and break down the line :/ I'm happy it helps you though

    • SunnyApollo

      395d

      I never had this problem myself, but a friend of mine tried to combat this with wearing jewelry and dressing up her hands. She’d provide more care to them, maybe treat herself to a nail appointment even if it is just a clean up and some cheap paint, but then she’d put on some lotion and wear rings she loved. I believe the first ring she got was a fidget ring so she’d spend her time fidgeting with it a lot. I would wear rings and would constantly get distracted playing with them so I could never truly wear them myself for long, but I noticed myself that I focused on the ring to play with when I got anxious rather than my own skin or fingernails. I hope this helps :)

    • juliecarlstan

      395d

      I put a thick rubber band around my wrist, not a hair tie, and I give myself a good snap, whenever I have a bad habit to break.

    • futurepast

      395d

      give your hands something else to do. In school i wore a lanyard and would fidget with that everywhere I went

    • Cskyet91

      395d

      I would get a fidget ring. Also if you have your phone a lot try tactile stickers that can be peeled and replaced.

☝ This content is generated by our users and it is not a substitute for professional medical advice. Please consult with your physician before making any medical decision

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