What are BFRBs? (Body Focused Repetitive Behaviors) - Hair Pulling, Skin Picking and Nail Biting

[@fjfjdjwnf5898]

I have been struggling with skin picking and unconsciously rubbing and picking the sides of my thumb then biting them, and once i tried to stop picking my skin i started pulling out my hair i also bite my cheeks alot ive been struggling with this for as long as i can remember and i thought is was just me, im glad im not the only one and i can get help.

[@ocdandanxiety]

Thanks for being vulnerable and sharing your experiencing! I hope you can find some relief soon!

[@susabobus]

So its a part of OCD too? I thought it was just stress or something... wow.

[@fjfjdjwnf5898]

@@susabobus I dont think you need ocd to have it but i think it makes in more common in not sure

[@susabobus]

@@fjfjdjwnf5898 well i do have ocd and i wonder if nailpolish scratching and cheek biting comes from it, if so it's interesting how it actually affected more in my life than I thought and maybe even more and im just unaware :)

[@WaverlyKaddafewcharecters]

SAME SAME SAME I NEVER KNEW IT WAS APART OF MY OCD

[@W0rkknPr0gress]

Lip biting, nail (and skin around nails) bitting has always been HUGE BFRB’s for me. Which happens when I’m anxious but makes my anxiety even worse because of how my lips and nails look afterwards. Such a viscous cycle. So glad to have come across this video. Had no idea this was a thing others are going through as well.

[@quackboi69]

Same

[@karliann1]

I'm 47 been picking and eating the skin around my fingers as long as I can remember. I had NO clue others experience this as well.

[@divaandconn5109]

SAME 🥲

[@sertanejando-sempre]

I have a BFRB but dont feel comfortable talking about it just yet. I find that fidgets help but I never thought of doing it with a purpose. Thanks!

[@evonchristie2549]

I appreciate this info. I’ve struggled with this for as long as I can remember, maybe since before or around kindergarten. I bite my cuticles. And a couple of places on my hand. (I’m extremely embarrassed by it.) No particular timing, I’ll do it throughout the day. I do notice that if I feel a rough spot on my hand, I bite it. The only thing that helps is daily exfoliating, giving myself manicures (trimming cuticles and moisturizing) and bandaids. The problem is, the texture of regular bandaids trigger me because it’s not smooth. I found that the silicon ones for blisters do the trick. The only problem is they are expensive, and if I dont wear them continually, I soon go back to the habit. I feel that the root to this problem is perfectionism. I attribute the rough feeling that triggers me as an imperfection, and biting it is my drive to correct it. Don’t get me wrong, my life is not in perfect order. This is probably another trigger. It’s taken many years to get to some understanding of what and why this is going on. Hope my journey helps

[@TimTamRipple]

Yes i can relate to the perfectionist thing- thats why i cant stop untill i have bitten every nail, it all looks the same , its all hurting the same etc. i tear off the cuticle s and skin around the nail . It had to look a certain way b4 im satisfied. I think its also OCD as well. I really cant stop ✋ doing this and other behaviour s. I think i need help badly.

[@drizzy2793]

Im going to share this with my friend who struggles. Your video made sense to me!

[@zlata4833]

I bite my nails, bite my lip outside and inside, I'm biting the inside of my cheeks and I'm poking and removing skin around my nails. I have been doing this for years, It's awful. I need help and I'm scared to get one.😣

[@babushkagirl9074]

Yesss whenever I’m stressed my lips are dry then it makes me bite them

[@yoyomsm]

I do that too

[@hxcdaphrdt]

Same

[@ivy1324]

I tried something and its sensory toys! They are stress relieving but i use them to keep my hands busy from biting my nails! It helps allot, i hope you try it out and it will help allot

[@yoyomsm]

@@ivy1324 thanks for the advice. i was thinking of visiting a therapist for general anxiety as well

[@elenacardio5875]

I have trichotillomania and have tried everything to stop. This video was super helpful!😘

[@OurSweetBlasphemy]

Thanks for this video!! I struggle with Trichotillomania and others, but trich being the most impactful. Buzzing my head was the best thing I’ve ever done for my mental health! But as I start to struggle again (buzzed over a year ago) I find bandaids and hats are my best options. Looking forward to watching more :)

[@eternal_nomad]

I buzzed my hair off as well. For more than one reason, but it has been a relief from pulling it, definitely

[@sandywich.]

I did suffer from trichotillomania for about most of my life and yes i am 12 but anyways I didn’t know what it was and thought it was normal so i keep doing it. I told only my brother and friends but not my parent especially my mom. One day at breakfast she saw a a bald spot at the top of my head because thats where i pull only where the middle back part is because i felt a sensation at. My mom of course got mad but i mean she is the reason why i stopped. Not because she was there for me and support me but because i was scared and traumatized. 🙁

[@ggrother539]

Do: Warm not overly hot Sea salt bath, meticulous fine combing of the scalp, remove all plaque, scrub everywhere, stretching all skin to get in the 'cracks'. This works. Avoid extreme heat and cold, medication, alcohol, stay calm.

[@maryshelley5774]

I started biting and picking my cuticles, nails, and inside of my cheeks when I was 8 years old. It’s been over 15 years and I still do it. I have an anxiety disorder and depression. Getting dip manicures, using a fidget toy, and having a job where I have to wear a lot of gloves to lower the opportunities to engage in those harmful behaviors helps. Also treating my underlying disorders with medication and therapy. For anyone out there who this sounds familiar with, there’s hope to manage this!

[@scubatuba1083]

I have the same issues. The inside of my mouth is in so much pain from the biting chunks of skin off and my jaw hurts from clenching and non stop grinding my teeth. I will grind and clench my teeth all day obsessively with as much force as possible

[@ggrother539]

Gargle with water and sea salt, pulling cheeks to reach more area. I just pop some salt in, then take a good sip, etc. Avoid scalding your mouth , let food and drinks cool off. Do warm sea salt baths, manicure and pedicure by scaling entirety of hands and feet with a nail clipper, cuticles treated the same, more info in my other comments. You will be better, for sure.

[@andrempn]

I've been struggling with trichotillomania for about 8 years now. After many ups and downs, various techniques and methods that extended from mindfullness to excel spreadsheets, and even some months of Acetylcysteine use (that didn't show any results) it still is a daily battle... But here I am, respecting my time, eventually I'll overcome this behavior. Keep strong, everybody!

[@Matthew-ju3nk]

Nice quick overview of the issue with some good suggestions for self analysis and cooping techniques. Thanks for the info.

[@ocdandanxiety]

Thank you Matthew!!😃

[@Creative-Chaos]

Me too. I learned it was a BFRB yesterday and went looking for videos about it.

[@cobrafire3700]

I'm currently 5 months free from skin picking. The main spot I would pick was my thumb and I'd feel horrible for doing it even though it was relieving from stress. However, I haven't picked or bitten any skin from it in 5 months, my thumb sometimes looks a little bit blotchy and pale but it doesn't hurt

[@parthenonpudenda]

proud of Ü 💚

[@lordgrimixb]

I pick the skin on my fingers/hands. It's so bad that I make it bleed almost everyday. I'm so used to the pain and seeing blood now. Whenever someone asks me what happed to my hands I just tell them I have dry skin because I'm not comfortable opening up about it. Good to learn about it

[@17HannaMae]

I pick my scalp and crack my left ankle. I think it's a combination of anxiety and just feeling satisfied when doing it. But I wouldn't say I'm an anxious person. I'm 22 and this definitely started in middle school but got much worse in high school and now it's just not gotten any better. If I really think about it I can control the urges. Sometimes I just don't care though because its so satisfying for me to do it. I sometimes chew my cheeks too but that is always unintentional. Some days after work I'll notice my cheeks are chewed and sore and I have no memory of doing it. That doesn't happen very often. My scalp picking and ankle cracking are all day long.

[@peepaw6996]

I pick at my scalp too and it gives me headaches

[@ctalisman8070]

ever since i could remember i would always rip my nails until only the pink part was left, and always just destroy the skin around my nails. i noticed sometimes i rip my lips and pick at my skin leaving scabs that i always scratch right before it heals. its really annoying, thank you so much for the video!

[@musings.By.Marivii]

I’ve been struggling with skin picking since I was about 9. I’m so over it 😭

[@rayanhaq8552]

Same bud

[@privateequityguy]

Start the journey of stopping it. At least give it a try. Try to find an accountability partner. I believe in you.

[@privateequityguy]

@@julieclark9749 How are you doing now? Have you been able to stop?

[@DigitalBath418]

I've had a problem with chewing the insides of my mouth and my checks. I'm 21 and have been doing it since I was 9. It's really hard to stop. Thank you for this information

[@lasdesas1935]

WOW! I didnt know rubbing was considered a BFRB. I thought it was just a habit!

[@MessedupBirdie]

ME: Pulling my hair while watching this video. Since this is what i do when watching videos.

[@MessedupBirdie]

@@ocdandanxiety It is just agonizing as soon as i realize that i am doing or what i have done (pulled so many hair they're all over my shirt). Wish there was a switch off button for that.

[@violetaiscringy8226]

I’m peeling my lips till they bleed while watching this video and crying at the same time in pain 🙃

[@lifesuckslikepain5678]

I’m biting my nails rn-

[@leonhull6720]

I used to severly bite my nails to the point my fingers now look like stubs 😅 Since I've changed up a few things in my life like, finding a more fulfilling job and cutting out "toxic" people from my life. I've found that with a little conscious effort and a lot of self manicures (mainly filing them to keep them smoove) I've been bite free for 4 weeks now. 😁 I still have to make an effort to avoid biting and actually had a weird dream where I bit them and felt very guilty. I had to check when I woke up 🤣 glad it wasn't true. I'm not going to give everybody advice on how to stop, (Its not my place). But I hope my story can help somebody. Its definitely increased my confidence, even though my fingers are still stubby. 🤦‍♂️😅 Good luck to anybody looking improve themselves, even if its in trivial seeming ways. 😁

[@privateequityguy]

Good for you! It's awesome to hear you're doing well. How is the situation now, in August 2021? Biting your nails or you've been free from it now for a year?

[@outlsd1590]

I went 6 months and had one breakdown and all the progress was over. I’m going to keep trying since I’ve shown I can do it . This post is needed right now , and I’m happy for you ! It’s great to see someone make progress

[@privateequityguy]

@@outlsd1590 Have you tried watching the free videos on our channel where we share daily tips and tricks on how to stop? They are all free and tons of people have been able to stop for good. Take care and most importantly, don't lose faith.

[@emilypaige1491]

Last year you recommended this video to me after I pleaded for help on reddit - Just coming back to say THANK YOU (:

[@ocdandanxiety]

Thanks so much for taking the time write this! I hope you're doing well! 😃

[@ly92584]

Thank you I’ve been suffering from Onychophagia and Excoriation Disorder for about 9 years so this means the world to me, thank you once again.

[@kianaraynee]

I have struggled with finger skin picking for over 3 years, I spend several hours a day doing it and its horrendous. My fingers ache and bleed

[@margdono]

me too! Even if I stop and grow my nails out, something happens and I start again. Like if I drink.

[@privateequityguy]

I hope you can solve this soon. You will feel much better and get your confidence back again.

[@j.o4860]

I was feeling my skin throughout this video and whenever he said "urge to pick" i slowly lowered my hand 😭

[@lilli-.-]

You should make a TikTok and share this information ! So many people would appreciate this and support you!

[@ocdandanxiety]

🚨Step-By-Step Program to learn how to stop hair pulling, skin picking, & nail biting. (try for free) 👉 BFRBOnline.com

[@eladroma17]

This video needs more views. Thank you for the infos!

[@yanir1698]

Wow happy to know I'm not the only one, since a kid I found different methods of BFRBs if it wasn't nail biting, it was teeth grinding, or hair twirling, picking dead ends of hair it's so hard I can do it for hours without even realizing it until I look at the time.

[@lumwong7237]

I bite my nail since I was a few years old. I can never put on nail color in my life. I never thought it was an illness until I saw Nate’s video. Thanks so much nate❤

[@quentinbarth3268]

I watched this video years ago, when I was (compulsively) learning everything I could about OCD and related disorders (to make sure I had OCD and wasn't a monster, fun times). It turned out to be really helpful when my excoriation disorder got out of control recently, due to eczema. I literally went to the emergency room -- because it was that out of control -- and told them that this is what was happening. So, thank you!

[@lee_likes_bees]

Oh boy this’ll be a long list cuz i do a lot of stuff. I have a picking disorder where basically i pick the skin off of all my fingers i pick my face basically anywhere i feel something that i can pick i will. i also pick my lips and my cheeks. another thing that’s started is pulling hair i don’t rip but i use my hands and pull out hairs that a brush doesn’t get. i also do that with my eye lashes and with my eye brows. i’ve also started nail biting too. i think another reason i have an urge to want to do this is because my mind is telling me i’m cleaning myself when i’m really just hurting myself. i’ve tried stopping but i just end up wanting to do it. i think the only thing that has helped me is playing with slime constantly. i’m not really sure what to do because i do this all day like i usually just don’t stop

[@kayladupuis8610]

For literally as long as I can remember, I've struggled with all these. I have memories from 5yo, crying and venting to my dog, wondering why I couldn't stop pulling my hair out. Back in the early 00s, every child psychologist I went to was useless. Neuro feedback, hypnotherapy, medications, my God. I could write a book

[@bholenrocha141]

I picked my toe skin until starts to bleed.. 😢 I can't stop my self doing it.. Because every time i does that i feel relaxed and calm...

[@agnessmith780]

The comment that you made about when the habit gets triggered really was helpful. Because I only bite my fingernails whenever I’m watching TV and I only pick at my face when I’m in front of my magnifying mirror. Then I get sore spots on my face, which I am Covering up with make up. Really appreciated this video. Thanks for sharing and giving hope.

[@robertoledezma-brown1189]

Listening to this video just made me amputate my fingers

[@djfreem6881]

Serious question. I have been diagnosed with: Autism, ADHD, and two forms of Dyslexia, and I am well aware that these (among others) have relatable symptoms to OCD and other Neurodivergent-Conditions, however; this video, and a few others have me genuinely concerned if I might have OCD as well (sorry for all the background information). I talked to a couple friends of mine about if I should possibly try to set up a test for myself, because I would rather know so that I can try to set up a plan to better interact with and manage my conditions, but they each blew off my concerns Am I just being crazy and over categorizing my stimming, or would it actually be worth it to look into.

[@opticneuron7076]

I use bandaids on my finger when I feel the urge to pull. It seems to work. I just need to remember to use them!😜😜

[@soyoymilk]

i have like more than a hundred bandaids in my closet, maybe i can use that xD thanks for the idea though :p

[@leandrorodriguez8472]

I’ve eaten my bandaids, pulling the threats little by little.

[@privateequityguy]

How has it been? Works well? :)

[@eioroma]

wow im 11 and this was on my recommendations, KZbin really knows that i do these

[@TimTamRipple]

I bite my nails really bad and i twirl or braid /plait my hair constantly . I do like to pull my hair too. I have just started to pick the skin on my nose too. I do it for stress relief, to control my emotions and when im teally into watching a movie or book . Im soo glad you dont talk bs and say you will cure it for good 👍. Once i start i cant stop unti i feel pain or physical cant do it anymore - ie i have no nails to bite.

[@Loveteyah]

i didn’t know i had this until i saw your videos about it! i’m definitely going to talk to my counselor about it and see what she thinks about it as well!! i really appreciate the info

[@yaitovaspiegel7677]

Thank you for this video! It was really informative and your voice was really calm and relaxing :)

[@ocdandanxiety]

Oh thank you!

[@abcdefg4740]

This was the most helpful video ever I watched about BFRB. Thanks Nathan.

[@Bobbikay33]

I was watching a thriller movie and by the end of the movie my thumb cuticles were bleeding. I was not aware till we left the theater. Ouch. Now I wear gloves to movie theaters

[@xxvirginiaaaxx]

I’ve struggled with this for about 15 years. I have rarely talked about it and only recently sought treatment for it

[@AllenHiME]

I want to share my BFRBs here bc I never see them mentioned and maybe someone will feel less lonely. I rub my skin or scratch my scalp until dirt comes out. I also can’t stop smelling my fingers after that or rubbing the dirt with my fingers. I had a bad time with the scalp scratching, I lost some hair and had some scars and it added more stress that resulted in me scratching even more. I bought some finger latex protectors (sold as for avoiding touching viruses and bacteria) and it really helped with the scars and with the hair loss. I still do my BFRBs but I try to be aware as not to damage my skin. I want to understand more about BFRBs but I guess they are different for everyone.

[@DaisyAruba]

Yet to meet anyone who said their SSRI meds helped with their anxiety. It didn’t help with my anxiety ever. Or depression. The only medications that help my anxiety are benzodiazepines and then working out, writing, eating cleaner, meditation, breath work, music, spending time with family/friends and my amazing lovely baby girl Yorkie Daisy who is turning 7 so she’s an adult now.

[@Mint-nt6ly]

Bless you for posting it for free!

[@gr0ssgf]

I pick my skin but my friend bites his nails all the time and it makes me really sad an I love him so much and I don’t know how to help him but I will watch these videos and learn!!! Will send him this vid 👍🏼

[@Orangecatenergy]

God... I pick my skin around the nails, I rip my nails off, I chew on my lips and on the inner part of my lips too, I scratch my scalp until it bleeds, I have eczema in my ears so I scratch that too... It really brings me down and is a high infection risk because all of those things make me bleed.

[@hanag4016]

I wear lipsticks to keep me from biting my lips but I'm still still able to bite the inside of my cheeks and it's frustrating

[@bepositivestaynegative]

I do that too. For inside I tried gum and it helps. But I do not always have gum with me.

[@fulicious2991]

I touch bumps on my face and body A LOT, even when I got foot fungus and my skin started flaking, I'd pick at that for the satisfaction But the most annoying I had to force myself to overcome were nail biting, biting off the skin on my lip and now trying to stop gnawing my teeth because it's affecting my jaw. It's surprisingly difficult to find a less harmful behaviour to replace the bad one.

[@govlogs735]

I bite my fingernails, and I pick my toenails, to the point I'm removing the whole toenail, I don't do it because I'm stressed, it's just that I like to do it, it's like it's a normal routine, I don't care if they look awful, I just want to cut the new nail I'm seeing, to my toenails, it hurts and I neither say that I don't like the pain nor deny it, it's just that I don't care.

[@maddie2cool851]

I pull toenail parts a lot from my toe because I like them short but I do it with other toenails or my fingers

[@QueenSaturn96]

I constantly rip my nail beds apart, I have gotten to the point that my left index finger has almost no nail now. I really need to quit

[@AmyClarkesinger]

I'd love to see a video on BFRB versus autism, for example i pick my nails because i cant stand the sensation of slightly long nails, i also rub my nails together when im stressed

[@francarranza434]

Thanks! You explain everything simple and clear. 🙏🏽

[@wingnutmcspazatron3957]

Watching this while biting my nails yall

[@chloejwylie]

i used to have trichotillomania and now i have dermatophagia, which is skin biting. i used to pull out the hairs of my eyebrow and eyelashes. now i bite around my nails :( since covid is around, i'll have a mask on and forget, and i'll attempt to bite my finger's skin but the mask doesn't allow it. that def helps.

[@ggrother539]

Many of these unwanted habits are symptoms of Reynaud's syndrome. My problem began as a small child. It goes undiagnosed, in the early stages, as these behaviours are misunderstood. Common triggers are extreme cold, heat, medication, please be aware that the skin ailments are caused by swelling, triggering a reaction from the immune system- (CHI) The stress is real, not imagined. It has nothing to do with will-power. Avoid medication. Medication causes swelling, in many cases, I had worse episodes upon taking medication.

[@lunadumbledore2883]

I fell addicted... I have to do things to keep my mouth occupied at all times when I am not talking or eating...i bite my fingernails sometimes until bleeding or painful, I bite the inside of my chicks and lips , I rub specific soft fabrics on my lip and I always put a kind of pressure on my teeth with my lips and tongue (I can't really explain how) my jaw is always so tense that it gives me headaches and even then I cant stop... it's an unstoppable urge to do this things at all times and it gives me so much comfort and satisfaction. But it messed up with my teeth and jaw sape and nail biting always gives me small painful infections inside my mouth ... not to mention making weird faces in public hoping people won't notice.

[@alessiasamsonova8093]

I bite my nails so much.

[@sherry_sya5422]

I'm 37 years old and I have this since I'm a kid. I used to bite the nails on all of my 10 fingers. I keep biting them eventhough they are already really really short and sometimes bleed. It made me so insecure, I'm ashamed of how my nails looked. Trying to stop but never really can. It just happen unconciously. Now to save the other fingernails I choose 3 fingernails that I bite and leave the rest of the fingernails alone. It helped the appearance of my nails a lil bit but they still look ugly. Last year I started picking my scalp at the same spot repetitively until it bled, I guess because of boredom since I'm working at home most of the time due to the pandemic. Then during June this year (2021) I developed dishydrotic eczema on my hand and I would pick the scab over and over again while it's healing until it bleeds again. My hand looks horrible with the nail biting and scab picking and my scalp is damn hurt and it's affecting my life.

[@Lafayette92]

I picked my fingers till they bled and so I started getting manicures. I chew my cheeks and my lips as well (really bad). It has gotten worse since I cut down on snacking and quit smoking. I ordered some chewelry to give my mouth something to do since I cannot chew gum. I get tmj pain when chewing gum.

[@karenemery4906]

Yes, I do it every day, throughout the day. Will try a fidget.

[@jeweliedee4299]

How about head scratching, trying to scratch the nonexistent dandruff off of your scalp?

[@lavenderlovely32]

I've had trichotillomania since I was 2 years old

[@princesssmileyface91]

I was doing good, I was not picking my thumb at, until a couple months ago, I got passed over for a team lead role at work, I was promised the role, until the manager hired her friend and gave it to her, and I started to pick at my thumb, I want to stop, but I can’t 😞 I did this a lot as kid well into my teens, it was always my thumb, one time I picked at my index finger and my whole nail came off.

[@Wet_Paper_Eater]

I bite my lips and checks, bite my nails, pick skin around my nails, I rub my finger against my stuffie I get blisters and it’s gross but I have to pick my nose till there no boogers left or else it makes me feel like I can’t breath, as well as pull strands of the ends of my hair. I bite my lips sometimes till they bleed and I sometimes get “skin” pieces from inside my cheeks sometimes I don’t even realize

[@Sol-ck3tp]

I never really gave a thought to this while I bit my nails, pulled my hair, and did at least 2 other BFRBs that aren't mentioned here. It'll be tough to get through but I will be over and above them.

[@reginaphalange1990]

I took out the light bulb of my bathroom mirror. I still pick during daytime, but it is not possible anymore when it's dark outside.

[@Mysterious_Ace]

I pick my skin so much I’ve got scars and had infections 3 times. I feel like an “itchiness” if I don’t and it’s anxiety inducing.

[@desireesmith4754]

Thanks for this video! I like the point that it's not about not doing the behavior but instead, choosing to do a different behavior. I've never thought about it that way. Do you have a specific type of figet that you recommend?

[@thelostones5127]

its gotten to the point where its second nature it was my the side of my thumb till it gets very bad then i move to the other now ive added the nails on my foot i can pick the sides till they bleed very bad then i clean the blood leave to the next one when it heals i come back to it all this most of the times im not aware ... i can tell myself to stop and be aware when im in pain .... then just minutes away im at that injured bleeding thumb ............ its really disturbing .... especially when you see my thumbs ............... they're in bad shape as at now ......... im 25 + now...... its second nature now i can barely keep track ...

[@dailygrindentertainment1402]

Excellent! Video! Iv been picking the skin on my THUMBS SINCE I was 3yrs old..I NEVER knew it was EVEN a desease, I THOUGHT it was just a habbit ..a 40YR old habit

[@deannajones5905]

I will try this I have struggled a long time and just want to be able to dry off normally again and to be able to wear appropriate clothing in the summer.i hope we all get better in baby steps. Depressed and trying not to give up.. best wishes on dermatillomania or w.e it's called. I thank this page for its content

[@Waffalish]

Its interesting, I have been doing this as long as I can remember, as a toddler even. But I never saw it as a anxiety response. It's just how it is. I bite my finger skin, pick it, bite my cheeks, lips, and nails. Just how it is.

[@yolanankaine6063]

Lip picking is serious problem for me. Mainly when I’m anxious, under pressure or lost in thought. It’s become a kind of compulsive calming effect that also stems from wanting them to be as smooth as possible. But because I pick at the healing skin, it never heals😭. I need to divert this urge somewhere epse

[@scubatuba1083]

Me too, if it’s not that it’s obsessively licking or biting my lips or the insides of my cheeks. Now I’ve been grinding and clenching my teeth, my mouth is in so much pain

[@andreagreen1133]

bandaids are tremendous help for me i have a disgusting problem God help us all going to the doctor next week it’s complicated and depressing ppl close to? don’t expect support or understanding

[@beautykalita1552]

I have been suffering from trichotillomania from the last 7 years . I keep shaving my head whenever i form bald spots. I haven't been able to control myself . Its just so embarassing

[@kaeyeo2040]

My Skin/Nail Biting has gotten so bad, I use to carry a knife around to help get Celluses'ed skin areas to easyer to bite positions, the best way ive used to get rid of this is to Chew gum and do something with both hands I.E playing games, eating food (if not Chewing gum) and toys This keeps both your mouth and hands busy thus less reason to keep aware of you Fingers!

[@nothanks2675]

Just found out that I might have this disorder because I pick the skin on my feet excessively to the point where it can hurt to put pressure on a certain area

[@shawnabell3115]

I do this too! My husband and son are so grossed out by it, and it will hurt to the point where it's hard to walk, but I cant stop.

[@kyraamethyst2005]

Since I was about 15, I started noticing some repetitive behaviours, but never knew there was a disorder for that! Anyone else removes their split ends (I feel like I’m the only one)? I also pick at my skin, especially pimples and dry lips (often to the point of bleeding). I also tend to remove my scabs. I want to do therapy, but with Covid, everything is online and I feel stuck. I’m also a university student and don’t have much money. :/ Any tips?

[@joqueen2371]

Try the Wyssa app, a mental health app, free of charge. I've been using it and it's surprisingly helpful! 💗 since I can't afford therapy rn

[@freya5745]

Yes thats my main struggle, removing my split ends! I hope youve seen an improvement since writing this comment!

[@maddie7899]

Hi, this may sound weird, but what if I don't want to stop my behavior? I've had pretty bad skin biting as long as I can remember, where my mom always used to yell at me to stop and try to make me soak my fingers in lemon juice etc, and I have scar tissue around my thumbs because I'm just always biting them. However, it really doesn't bother me, I've learned not to do it when people are watching, and if it does get to be painful I will wear bandaids for a few days. I also do a lot of nose picking and I know I should probably stop that one for health reasons buut. I'm just curious your thoughts. Is there a reason why I should try to stop? I also believe I have just right OCD but it isn't too severe. Thank you for your videos they are very helpful and informative :)

[@gleefan3376]

How do you get to a stage where you want to change? I only get insecure when my dad or grandmother point it out/ sometimes when I'm with people, but when I'm alone, I don't really think it's an issue...

[@alejandroalcantara7739]

Thanks this really helped!!!

[@ocdandanxiety]

Glad it helped!! Check out the treatment videos too if you haven't seen them! 😃

[@eueueutututu1]

True. At least 2 members of my close family have the same BFRB as me

[@Oli_SunShine]

Is there the possibility that these behaviors are related to any disorders? I feel like there’s something… not necessarily “wrong” with me but something that makes me different from other people. And BFRB perfectly explained part of these strange behaviors I have, but I’ve been doing so many of these all the time, everywhere.

[@user-je7pp2wg3m]

I have escoriation disorder. My main motivation to quit is I don't want to get a serious infection that may effect my health. If it wasn't for that, I don't think that I would care that much that I pick

[@ocdandanxiety]

This seems like a good motivator! I wish you success!

[@beccacoleman498]

If that doesn't stop me.

[@slothmar4735]

How quickly can a person whose been biting since toddler (now in early 30s) stop biting and picking?

[@sunflowerbeauty.21]

I have struggled with lip biting. I still do this until this day. I used to bite my nails and I used to bite the skin around my nails. I always keep my nails painted so I don't do that anymore but now it's progressed to biting the inside of my lips and the outside.

[@aprilrodriguez5874]

I have the same issue I pick my tongue and bit the little skin on my lips and insides of my mouth, I hate that I do this but I never spoke to anyone about it before. I guess we are not alone.

[@haleyw5677]

my friend had baby tric and she later developed dermatillomania with eyelash pulling as well

[@melissiagummig]

Thank you I find this very helpful I've gone back to nail biting just recently I was that kid who practically chewed their hands off I am going to start tracking

[@vieiradossantoslidia1581]

I don’t remember when but as study on skin picking has shown that a specific part of the brain (I don’t remember which one) was more active on people with spd than others and they found it was even more active along with the urge to pick when shown pictures with skin irregularities. This part of the brain was linked to the feeling of disgust

[@creamcakecoffee]

This disorder sucks for real, thankfully I stop if it hurts to much and until it bleeds to much

[@pieceaisa5046]

ive bitten my nails and the skin around it since i was as little as i can remember. and a year or two ago (or three?) i started biting my cheeks, lips, and tongue (tastebuds). i bite my cheeks and tongue to taste the blood and i bite and scratch my lips to feel it sting and burn. idk what to do

[@laurynwatts8009]

I have a cycle of biting my nails and not skin picking as much to trying to break the nail biting habit, growing them and skin picking badly. I want to not do either but really it’s one bfrb or another. I’m not really breaking habits I’m trading them

[@jeonggukshoe1660]

Hello! I have a question: Do you think that BFRB's should belong momentarily under the OCD-spectrum? or rather not? and if we could actually label BFRB disorders as OCD as well? OCD is mainly put together in both Obsessions and Compulsions, but there are cases where you can have only Obsessions (called "Pure O"), and it'd still be classified as OCD completely as well, without having any Compulsions at all. BFRB's are said to be very compulsive behaviors rather than just "self-grooming", because most of the time, BFRB’s are done with no other intention than just to simply continue and complete the intense urges you have until they feel "just right", which is similar to OCD (talking from my experience). Also, both OCD and BFRB have a short term relief after performing their repetitive behaviors due to anxiety. Do you think there’s such thing called "Pure C", just as "Pure O", only standing for Compulsions without having any Obsessions? BFRB’s are very compulsive, but don’t carry any obsessive thoughts with them (other than to do the behavior repeatedly of course). Thank you!

[@ocdandanxiety]

Hi! I believe that BFRB's is a branch on the same tree of OCD but are considered two separate issues. Sometimes people can have a BFRB as a compulsion to their OCD. My opinion is that Pure O does not exist. I actually was planning on making a video about this. Often the compulsion that the person doesn't think they are doing is the simple act of trying to stop the thoughts from happening by avoiding or distracting. 😃

[@lovelyyluciddreams4352]

Not me watching this with with bloody finger and toe nails

[@Ann963]

BFRB’s are a subset of stimming. Mindfully substitute safe stims for harmful BFRB’s.

[@kali.darkmoon]

I struggle with picking my lips, i literally tear them to shreds and i can’t stop, i do it every day and there is never a time where they are not red and bleeding, they burn when i eat certain food and it just sucks. I think the longest i went without doing it is probably a week, ik its sad but its so hard to stop, and i fear that ill be tearing my lips for the rest of my life.

[@gianamakesmusic]

I am the same way😔I have been doing it since I was very very young. It hurts to smile sometimes and to eat and drink a lot of things. My lips are always terrible looking and I can’t stop doing it.

[@nyanperonachan4291]

Me watching this while feeling the urge to skin picking and trying to resist it: ah yes, this is pain.

[@sandywich.]

I did suffer from trichotillomania for about most of my life and yes i am 12 but anyways I didn’t know what it was and thought it was normal so i keep doing it. I told only my brother and friends but not my parent especially my mom. One day at breakfast she saw a a bald spot at the top of my head because thats where i pull only where the middle back part is because i felt a sensation at. My mom of course got mad but i mean she is the reason why i stopped. Not because she was there for me and support me but because i was scared and traumatized. 🙁

[@alessiasamsonova8093]

I am 12, too. I bite my nails a lot.