when you bite your nails, is it a form of self harm?

Answer 1

Nailbiting is a tough habit.... no.. it is an obsession.. no, it is a form of self harm... well... perhaps all of the above.. I think I'm like most people in that I like doing it so much, that I'm not really motivated to quit. I did quit for a few years, and here's how:

The trick is to sequentially stop biting one nail at a time. Start with the nail that you bite least. I notice that the nails on my ring fingers grow fastest (is it just me?). Every few days exclude one more nail. If you catch yourself biting one of the nails you've excluded, just bite a different one.

There's one more critical piece, and that's the nail clipper. If you've been biting your nails for a while, you probably haven't been clipping or filing them. Starting to clip and file again really helps give your nails that smooth, rounded edge which you'll be less likely to bite into.

Another trick that I have heard of is to paint your nails. Some people say they'll bite their nails even when they're painted,

Answer 2

As a youngster I bit my nails down to the quick and more. I visited an old lady one day and she said my hands were ugly. I was so hurt I actually stopped. It is a form of self harm in some circumstances - I didn't like myself and also used to pick spots until my face bled. It is I believe right up there with CONFIDENCE. Also a bad habit can be broken in six weeks, so do that ,along with
really looking after yourself. have a makeover if you need it or not. All the best for the future. In my opintion get a friend on your side who you can trust and not a model type either.

Answer 3

Of course not. . Nail-biting (onychophagia) is a common stress-relieving habit. You may bite your nails in times of stress or excitement, or in times of boredom or inactivity. It can also be a learned behavior from family members. Nail-biting is the most common of the typical "nervous habits," which include thumb-sucking, nose-picking, hair-twisting or -pulling, tooth-grinding, and picking at skin.

You may bite your nails without realizing you are doing it. You might be involved in another activity, such as reading, watching television, or talking on the phone, and bite your nails without thinking about it.

Nail-biting includes biting the cuticle and soft tissue surrounding the nail as well as biting the nail itself.

Answer 4

Reported

Answer 5

not self harm. just oral fixation. but it could do a little TMJ stuff and think of all of the icky places your hands are in the run of the day. and what icky things you dig out from under your nails when you run a file under them. you want that in your mouth? remind me i said that when i bite my nails the next time.

Answer 6

Yes, I suppose you could call it self harm. And I don't now why this was reported either. How about sending the person who has reported you an email and ask her?

Answer 7

Yes, it is self-harm. You may also want to consult a dentist to see what impact, if any, this is leaving on your teeth. The harm isn't just to your skin.

Answer 8

no i don't think so, if so then you would be able to accuse your hairdresser for attacking you, (she was cutting your hair), or the manicurist who was cutting your nails..!
It is not a form of self harm it is just a bad habit caused by anxiety.

Answer 9

Nope don't think so, people normally self harm their flesh - nails are almost bone-like (which is why we don't feel it when we bite our nails)...so no, not really! x

Answer 10

Many prople do this out of habit or stress.Its not harmful..but if you bite them till they bleed it is quite painful..Try putting alcohol on your fingers or hot sauce, then when you bit it it will taste bad..good luck