Is this Self harm...?

Question

I use to cut myself quit badly when I was 14 and 15. I was silly doing it and looking back I realize it only made evey thing worse.

I know this is a weird thing to ask, but lately I've been chewing the inside of my mouth. Well not really lately but I kind of just noticed and thought something of it.

I seem to do it when I'm sad or nervous.

So is this self harm, similar to cutting?

Fu*ck You! I'm not emo. I hate emos they make me sick! There is a difference between being depressed and being an attention seeking emo.

Answer 1

Ignore the idiot who said emo....I don't think it's a real problem chewing the inside of your mouth, unless you are biting down on the flesh till the bleeds, don't let that be a habit, it's not healthy, focus on what is going to happen, and try to think positive, if your nervous just try and think about the good things in life.

You can always improvise by chewing gum instead. And try to be more confident in yourself, there are people out there who expect you to do well, and being nervous only brings you down, just get out there and do it, that's how i get over being nervous.

Whenever your sad just think about the good things in life, your family and friends. If they ever see you sad you wouldn't want them to worry, cause it'll make them sad at the fact that they don't know how to help you.

Answer 2

Well, your case seems to be similar to nail-biting during nervousness. Cutting any part of the body without a genuine reason is definitely harmful. The harm may not show immediately but eventually it may in the form of infection and/or mouth cancer or anything else.

But don't be alarmed, just be a little brave (not that you are not) but a bit extra in fighting your habit. A bad habit formed in the tender age like that of yours becomes firm if continued unabated.

Your case is NOT serious yet so I suggest you consult a doctor who might suggest a good remedy to get rid of a habit. As such a strong-willed person CAN control his/her actions and you are no different. I don't see any reason why you can't get rid of this habit with a little will power.

If you wish, I can suggest some easy Yogic exercises which will help you in fighting nervousness.

Good luck.

Answer 3

You're not going to get cancer in your mouth because of this! (LOL)

Biting your nails, grinding your teeth, picking at your fingernails or even picking scabs and blisters or chewing the inside of your teeth are all socially acceptable 'nervous habits'. They're not really all that different from 'self harm' as the drive to bite one's nails can be much like that causes another to cut himself.

'Self harm' includes everything that isn't socially acceptable destructive behaviors. Things that fall under 'self harm' are a little more extreme than those other behaviors such as causing yourself to bleed. If you're biting the inside of your mouth until you bleed or you have open sores in your mouth, you're on the crazy/emo side. If you're not bleeding or even in pain because of your biting, then you've got a socially acceptable 'nervous habit'.

Answer 4

No, of course not! Everyone has a way of dealing with their problems/feelings. Lots of people chew their lips, bit their nails, or even dig their nails into their palms (nervous/sad). It's totally normal and don't worry about it.

Answer 5

I'm no expert but I think it is a normal reaction when people bite inside their mouth.I would say it is the same as biting your nails.It is not self harm just a nervous reaction.Take care.

Answer 6

No I do not think this is self harm. It is no different as when people bite their nails when they are nervous. Maybe you could find something else to do when you are nervous. Not sure what though bc I am a nail biter :/ good luck though!

Answer 7

sounds like some sort of ocd reaction rather than a classic self injury. but what ever speak to your gp and get some help the best thing is cognative behaviour therapy. good luck

Answer 8

It's just a habit, like biting fingernails, picking scabs or squeezing zits.

This too shall pass.

Answer 9

I'd say it's a habit that COULD turn into self harming if you aren't careful. I'd try and break the habit if I were you.

Answer 10

i think its normal when you are nervous, my girlfriend does it all the time, i think how ever it can start to become an addiction, and it all depends on the amount of damage you do to your mouth.