What's up?

This might sound strange, but I'm a loose end as to what to do about it.

For years I have been biting my nails and the skin around my nails. I have tried stopping several times, but I can't. I get a massive urge to bite or pick my nails and fingers which I cannot beat - I end up having to give in to the urge. The urge is so strong it drives me CRAZY. I'll use anything - safety pins, opened up staples, my teeth, opened up paper clips, the pin from my work badge - ANYTHING that has a point. I've had infection after infection and one of my finger nails is wrecked badly - it looks disgusting.

Help me - It's like an obsession.

Reply 1

Tractor-girlie

Have you tried the nail vanish to help you stop? Cover your fingers and nails with it, it tastes so bad you dont want to bit them.

Reply 2

Anonymous #1

Tried that - it had not effect.

Reply 3

fairycakes

with this urge, have u tried distracting yourself, until it goes away?

i mean, say u get the urge, then say to yourself, ok, i'll pick my nails after waiting 5 minutes, then increase it to 10 minutes, etc etc
but while ure waiting those 5 minutes, do soemthing esle, like watch a tv programme u really love, or listen to ure faviourte band, or finish eating something?

xxxx

Reply 4

SilverWings

I'm the same.

I tried nail varnish, that worked in the sense that it was kinda a preliminary thing to do with picking the varnish on before I would bite, but it failed in the sense that I just spent longer fixated with my nails. Then I tried that stuff you paint on to your nails to make them taste bad, but I grew to ignore and eventually *like* the taste of the stuff. I still bite and pick and cut, like you, and it's worse on the skin around my nails, it's recently got better though, perhaps it's stress related?? I've been a lot less stressed lately [once I knew I was in my uni] and it seems to have taken a backseat. Just keep yourself busy, on top of your life and stress free. And STOP THINKING ABOUT IT!!