Nail biting problem. HELP!?

Question

I have a really bad nail biting problem. I just can't stop. It's been worse for the past few years. I bite them down to nubs. My thumbs are the WORST! I already know about the gross nail polish, but I heard it doesn't really work on severe nail biters. Do you guys have ANY suggestions?

Answer 1

You've got to start in stages. Tell yourself that this week you will NOT bite your pinky nails. And then once you've acheived that, celebrate! Then decide that you're not going to bite your ring fingernails. Then once that is achieved, celebrate! And so on.

Do you usually bite your nails at certain times? I used to bite mine when I was bored, my mom bites hers when she reads. If you are doing it at a certain time then be aware of that, and it will help you stop.

I put a bandaid, or a piece of tape around whichever fingernail was my current goal. Then I couldn't physically get my teeth to it, and that was a constant reminder in case I started biting something else.

If it is truly a habit, you'll have to take small steps. Be happy with each one! Good luck!

Answer 2

Most people bite their nails (and even the skin around them) as a result of anxiety. You need to find out what you are anxious about and deal with that first.

You could also have a friend or family member point out every time they find you biting your nails. Getting caught in the act and being centred out might be enough to at least cut down on the habit. Or, try bandaids--they'll keep you from getting at your nails.

Answer 3

put jalapeno on your nails.. burning your tongue off isnt worth biting your nails.. ok im serious about this. when i was in middle school i wanted to grow my nails out but i was a horrible nail biter so i put some cyane pepper on them or whatever i could find hot and let it dry and when i had the urge to bite i was immediatly stopped by the hotness. sounds stupid but it took me a week to stop biting and im 22 now and havent bit them since. and i have long great nails. Hope this works.

Answer 4

If you are sensitive to hot things you might try dipping your fingers in jalapeno juice (course you don't want to rub your eyes, pick your nose or touch your genitals since it will burn like all heck). Jalapeno oil sticks around for a while so it keeps your hands nice and hot. The other suggestions are very good as well in the reguards of destressing your life. What has changed in the last couple of years that has caused you undue stress (new baby, new mate, new job, new apt.) then figure a way to work around it that doesn't leave you stressed.

Answer 5

It's a psychological response to stress. Get rid of your stress first, then use the nail polish to get rid of the habit. Go see a therapist, don't feel bad, you're not crazy, but they do know how to get your stress levels down, and that is the first step. Good luck.

Answer 6

you bite your nails for two reasons :

1- you may be anxious or stressed or went through a hard time that developed this habbit for you .

2- you used to do it just to amuse yourself then you got used to it .

try to relax & do things that require manual labor for some time
if that didn't work , go to see a doctor ..

Good Luck

Answer 7

well first go buy a stress ball and use that when ever you have the urge to bite your nails
there is nail applicant that when you put on to prevent you from bitting them

Answer 8

I think I might be able to help each other could you please drop me an email as I'm doing a project on stress and nail biting if you are interested to help.

Answer 9

http://stopbitingnails.com/

Hope This Helps, I Have The Same Problem!
Good Luck!

Answer 10

I wore gloves for a looong time.

Kept suckers and gum around for the oral fixation.

Keep them trimmed short so you can't get a grip and for the love of god man, stay away from your cuticles.

Also, keep a snug elastic band around your wrist and when you go for your little piggies, give yourself a good, hard snap.