Whenever I'm doing nothing active, such as watching a movie, listening to music or trying to sleep, I tend to... 'pick' at my toenails until they bleed. My toe nails are completely destroyed and the skin around them is torn.
My doctor explained to me that this is apart of my obsessive compulsive disorder, which I have had since I was about seven years old. I've been doing this since then, so I don't doubt her.
Does anyone else do something similar? OR Does anyone have any tips to stop doing this? I don't realize I do it until it hurts, so it's not like I let this happen. There have been times though. It's like i'm addicted to doing this... And no it's not an attraction to pain, because once it starts to hurt, I realize it and stop.
Thanks!
2006-08-24 17:18:10 · 6 answers · asked by Seinfeld 4 in Social Science ➔ Psychology
You are very wise about this situation and I see you have given it a lot of thought/
It definitely sounds like an OCD problem. Now as to what to do:
First you must break this habit and replace it with a healthier one. I don't imagine you are happy with the look of your toes, so first you could imagine your toes and nails as very beautiful. Buy some polish for them in a color or colors you really like. Pamper your feet after bathing with lotions and nail polish. Buy a new pair of sandals that you can show of your "new" pretty toes in. Make this your big goal.
Next, is replacing the habit.When you sleep, wear socks so you can't get to your toe nails. When you are watching tv or listening to music, find something that occupies your hands at all times. Buy some Styrofoam florists balls and slowly pick them apart. Or get some knitting yarn and pull it apart or wind it around your fingers as you watch tv or listen to your music. At first this will be a conscious action, but after time, it will become a habit, and such a better one!
Meanwhile, your toes will start becoming the cutest ones in town!
Good luck to you.
PS. one thing that I love to do is to squeeze those micro ball pillows(you know the ones filled with the tiny little beads). That might be a good hand action too.
2006-08-24 17:39:01 · answer #1 · answered by a_phantoms_rose 7 · 1⤊ 0⤋
I do the same thing, except I pick at my face, my lips, and I cut at the skin around my fingers with clippers - all until they bleed.
I have also been diagnosed with OCD. For your poor tootsies, I'd say wear socks, then the urge will be "covered up" literally.
Know that you can make a MENTAL DECISION to NOT massacre your toes. OCD can be controlled if you can learn to control your actions. I am still learning to do this, but I have been able to "turn off" the picking a few times without much trouble! :) Good luck!
2006-08-25 00:26:42 · answer #2 · answered by catperson 1 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I do this too, although not to the point of making them bleed... although that's happened accidentally. I only do it when I think they need cut, because the one time I used scissors to cut them, I got an ingrown toenail. FUN!
I would say that every time you start feeling the urge to do that, do something else with your hands - type, write, knit, perhaps paint your toenails. You might not want to get them all icky if they look pretty. :)
2006-08-25 00:26:49 · answer #3 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
My four year old daughter does this also. I have started making sure she always has something on her feet, shoes or slippers. I prefer socks and shoes for her because that way it takes a bit more work to get to her toes.
2006-08-25 01:06:25 · answer #4 · answered by curls 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Well you should wear socks when you're just sitting there. Hopefully you won't start picking on anything else.
2006-08-25 00:24:36 · answer #5 · answered by phoenixheat 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
could be worse
2006-08-25 00:24:48 · answer #6 · answered by el.tuco 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋