NAIL BITING – Here is the psychological reason behind ‘Onychophagia’ and tips on how to break this habit.
Nail biting, also known as onychophagia, is a habit that involves biting the nails, cuticles, or soft tissues surrounding the nails. It is a common behavior seen in both children and adults and is often considered a nervous habit or a response to stress, anxiety, boredom, or frustration.
Onychophagia can lead to several negative consequences, both physically and emotionally. Physically, it can result in damage to the nails and surrounding skin, leading to soreness, bleeding, infections, and even changes in the shape of the nails over time.
Additionally, nail biting can increase the risk of spreading harmful bacteria and viruses from the fingers to the mouth and other parts of the body.
Feeling embarrassed or ashamed about nail biting is common, especially if other people notice. It can make you feel self-conscious about your hands and might stop you from showing them in public.
Stopping this habitisn’t always easy, but there are ways to help. One thing you can do is pay attention to when you usually bite your nails. Maybe it’s when you’re anxious or bored. Once you know the reasons, you can try doing other things to keep your hands busy, like playing with a stress ball or drawing.
Trimming your nails short can also make it harder to bite them. Some people use special nail polishes that taste bad to help them stop. These polishes remind them not to bite.
It’s important to be patient with yourself as you try to stop nail biting. It’s not something that changes overnight, and you might have some setbacks along the way. Asking for support from friends, family, or even a therapist can make a big difference.
It may take time and effort, but with practice and determination.