I have this habit of repeatedly biting my tongue, and it gets even worse when I’m feeling anxious or stressed. Sometimes it might feel really painful. There was once where it was so painful that I couldn’t eat.
Other than biting my tongue, I also tend to bite my fingers when I feel stressed out. I may do it unconsciously and repeatedly. As a result, my fingers have hardened skin. I usually tend to bite only my left fingers.
And… I also have this habit of digging my nails into my fingers. I may also do this repeatedly and unconsciously and consciously. I do it even more when im stressed or anxious. As a result, all my fingers on my hands have hardened skin. I sometimes catch myself digging my nails into my fingers in public too. But I would quickly stop the action as I felt ashamed.
All of these behaviours are causing damage to my skin and causes my fingers to look ugly… But I can’t stop and a part of me doesn’t want to stop because its addictive?
Should I seek help for it or is it actually nothing to worry about?
when u have that feeling, go for a run. until ur brain craves for a run instead of ur current coping mechanisms. get professional mental health help too
Thank you for being so open and honest about what you’re experiencing — that takes a lot of courage, and it really shows how much self-awareness you have.
What you described — the tongue biting, finger biting, and nail digging — sounds like it’s been physically painful and emotionally tough, especially since it happens more during stressful or anxious times. It’s understandable that it can feel addictive or even comforting in the moment, even if part of you feels conflicted about it.
These kinds of repetitive behaviours can sometimes be ways our mind tries to cope with stress or anxiety, but when they start affecting your daily life, your health, or your self-esteem, it’s definitely okay — and actually really strong — to reach out for help. You’re not alone in this, and professionals like therapists or counsellors can help you unpack what’s going on beneath the surface and find healthier ways to manage the stress.
You absolutely deserve to feel better, and you don’t have to go through it all on your own. Seeking help isn’t a sign that something is “wrong” with you — it’s a step toward taking care of yourself, just like you would with any physical pain or injury.
I encourage you to talk to someone you trust, or reach out to a mental health professional. You’re worth the care, and support is out there for you.
