How do I stop biting my nails): (picture)?!
Question: How do I stop biting my nails): (picture)?
I've had the biting habit all my life. My mom tells me when I was an infant I'd always bite my soother or spoon or anything that was around me, IDK why but I just naturally like biting things!
I remember going from chewing on the from of my shirts, to my hair (Until I learned it was nasty) to biting my nails around the age of 8 I think.
So I've been biting for nearly 11 years, my nails are BAD like sometimes it hurts to bite them but I do it anyway. Sometimes I'll do it unconsciously..
A lot of times it's when I'm focusing on something, like reading or watching tv or listening to the prof or just anything i guess. I stop when I catch myself, but it's gotten to the point where I do it out of habit and alllll the time. It's gross, I HATE my nails.
Does anyone have any tips or suggestions on how to stop biting? Thanks!<3
Answers:
Couple of things that may help:
1) Chew gum, if your already chewing something you may not feel the need to chew your nails.
2) There is something you can buy that you put on your nails. Basically it's a foul tasting substance that immediately stops you when you go to chew them and in the long term the idea is you get into the habit of not biting your nails as you come to expect the taste through association.
I'm afraid I don't know what that stuff is called but I'm sure a chemist would know.
Best bet would be to just wear gloves, or maybe go to a counselor. I used to rip the skin off of my knuckles and when I went to the counselor they gave me some advice and I haven't done it for about 6 years. Also, remember that when you bite your nails your teeth get tiny fractures and when you get a lot of those your teeth start to fall apart slowly.
Biting / chewing and eating stuff that isn't really food is a disorder called Pica, and it usually comes from a mineral deficiency or a subtle psychological disorder. In your case, I might suggest getting more calcium and iron, maybe taking supplements.
I learned to stop biting my nails by getting them done every three weeks. After coating my nails with gel I get them decorated, so that not only can I not bite them, but I don't want to ruin them, either. Getting nails done is motivational, and gel instead of nail polish isn't quite as easy to chew off.