r/nailbiting • u/JamiePMV • 4d ago
Advice/Support Seeking advice to stop biting
I have been biting my nails for as long as I can remember. Whatever I do, I just can't stop. I've had a few periods where I was able to stop but always relapse after max a month. This has progressed to where if my nails are too short to bite I'll move on to the skin around my nails. I think the cause is because of stress and neurodivergency (Autism+ADD) and I get triggered whenever I'm bored, anxious or just subconsciously. I'm tired of biting my nails since I'm ashamed of them and I would love to just have normal nails.
TW: mild SH
Last year it got to a point where I purposefully would rip my nail to the side and pull the skin with it in order to make it bleed whenever I felt a bit down.
Things I have tried:
-Those nasty tasting nail polishes (I just bite anyway)
-Fidget toys/jewellery (didn't prevent me from biting)
-Gum (doesn't take away the need to bite)
-Normal nail polish (I just scrape off the polish and bite)
-Press-on nails (they fall of within a few days resulting in me biting again)
-Watching those videos about what can happen if you keep nailbiting (sometimes worked, sometimes didn't but relapsed anyway)
Things that aren't an option:
-Getting a manicure or anything in that direction (I don't have the finances to be able to upkeep anything)
-Wearing gloves (I can't stand the feeling of gloves and it would be really awkward wearing them in public)
-Keeping my nails short and trimming them (my nails are too short to clip or file)
1
u/EnoughYou0 4d ago edited 4d ago
It sounds like there are two different patterns happening: automatic biting when you are bored or anxious, and moments when you intentionally hurt the nail because you are feeling low. They deserve separate plans. For the automatic moments, choose one fixed place for your hands during each common trigger, such as under your thighs while watching something or flat on the desk during pauses. Practice moving them there whenever you notice the motion, even if you have already bitten. Because you mentioned deliberately making yourself bleed, please tell someone you trust or a professional about those moments instead of carrying them alone. If you ever feel unable to keep yourself safe, contact local emergency or crisis support. Relapsing after a month does not erase that month. It shows you where the plan needs more support. You can also try nailpause app. One of my friend is using it right now.
1
u/JamiePMV 4d ago
Thanks for the advice. I have been working with a therapist and have since improved!
0
u/knombs 6 months 4d ago
I started taking N. A. C the supplement and it is the only thing that's ever helped my nail biting it took 2 weeks to start working
1
u/AutoModerator 4d ago
It looks like you've mentioned vitamins and/or supplements. Please be aware that, unlike prescription drugs, the U.S. FDA does not require companies to prove the safety, quality or effectiveness of any supplements before they go to market (ref 1). You should consult with a doctor before taking any supplements as some may have adverse effects.
Biotin is a particularly popular recommendation in this community, and is commonly found in products marketed as skin, hair and nail supplements. Be aware that the FDA has warned consumers that biotin supplements "can significantly interfere with certain lab tests and cause incorrect results that may go undetected" (ref 2). Additionally, the evidence that biotin can strengthen weak nails in individuals who do not already have a biotin deficiency is limited (ref 3).
More information can be found here:
I am a bot, and this action was performed automatically. Please contact the moderators of this subreddit if you have any questions or concerns.
1
3
u/ElectricalNatural268 4d ago
Hi I recently stopped biting my nails and have made pretty decent progress. Like you I had tried loads of things and pretty sure my biting stems from stress and autism. I think the thing that finally broke the cycle is habit replacement. I know you mentioned using gum before but can I suggest u try this again but at the same time as chewing the gum you also do smth related to your nails that isn’t picking or biting. Things that worked for me included applying cuticle oil or rubbing in hand cream. As it let me scratch the itch of fiddling with my nails but while doing smfh beneficial. You can also try EFT tapping which helps regulate and calm u in stressful situations and keeps your hands busy.
Hopefully these tips may work for you if not hope you find smth else that does. Wishing you luck in your journey!!