DAE have this nervous habit? How do you deal with it?

[sadsack78]

I have a terrible anxious habit of picking my lips, sometimes to the point of drawing blood (gross, I know) when I am anxious- which is a lot of the time (I'm sure that goes for most of us to be fair).

Without going into detail I had a bad childhood and think I started doing this early on to deal with the stress and anxiety I felt all the time.

I am trying to deal with my anxiety levels which are the underlying issue but was wondering if any of you do this too, and if you have found ways to cope or break the habit. Any advice is much welcome!

I do this from time to time when I’m feeling really stressed. Or I might keep licking my bottom lip repeatedly, then it ends up chapped or I twirl/play with my hair, all an attempt to self-soothe without realising I’m causing myself harm. I think the trick is to find something non-harmful like wearing a spinning ring, keeping a worry stone in my pocket to touch or worry beads to soothe oneself that way. Crystal shops sell these as does of course, Amazon.

I do this and unfortunately have ended up with a big scar on my upper lip.😪 So do try and stop if you can. I like Jelly's suggestions.

Thanks for replying! I'm sorry to hear you've ended up dealing with a scar as a result of picking. I am trying to get a grip on the habit for that exact reason. Hope you're doing well and are being kind to yourself x

I try!Look after yourself

Once the underlying cause is resolved it will be simple to stop the coping strategy because it won't be needed anymore.