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I bite the Cuticles, Nails & Skin on my fingers
I've always been a nail biter, since I was 5 years old. But I would say, within the last 10 years I bite my cuticles and skin around my nails even more. Sometimes until they bleed. My fingers will start to heal, and then I pick off the scabs and start over again. Sometimes, I don't even realize I'm doing it. I'll be in traffic and when I get home I realize what I've done. I know I'm hurting myself and I can't stop. I'm constantly hiding my hands and putting bandaids on my fingers. It's so embarrassing. My husband is always yelling at me. Recently a good friend saw my fingers and said what's wrong with you...you need to see a phsychiatrist. I have had anxiety issues in the past. I also have a lot a sleep problems. I asked my doctor once for anxiety medication, but she wasn't very helpful. Should I bring it up again? Does any one have any advice? I'm glad to see I'm not the only person with this problem.
June 05, 2008
You are not alone! I really relate to what you have written here. Mst of the time I am either bleeding from my fingers, or at the least, my cuticle is already between my teeth before I realise what I'm doing. I understand your doctors possible reluctance to prescribe anti-anxiety meds, as they have a tendency to be over-used, but put simply (In my opinion) if you need some help, then that should be assessed by a suitabily qualified health care professional. What ever you do next, I wish you the very best of luck!
Abby :)
June 05, 2008
I have been taking anti-anxiety medication (Ativan) and Zoloft for the past 2.5 weeks and it has helped me so much. My urges are much more controllable and I haven't picked at all for the past 5 days. This is a HUGE accomplishment for me. I know that everyone responds differently to these kinds of medication, so just because it works for me doesn't mean it will work for someone else. But if you want to give it a try, I say, go for it.