Nail biting Community Group

For those who have the impulse to bite their nails. This is a place to discuss your feelings on the subject,triggers and reactions from others.

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deleted_user 10/05/2014

I was just wondering if anyone has ever tried hypnosis to stop nail biting?

I have been a nail biter since I was a young kid (am almost 30). I chew them until they bleed and just cannot stop. I have tried fake nails (to expensive to keep up with) and once I take them off I just chew off what has grown out, I have also tried the NOBITE bitter nail polish and that doesn't stop me either. I have heard of people going to see a hypnotist for things like to stop smoking or weight loss and was just curious if anyone has ever tried for nail biting.

nailman 07/05/2015

I'm a guy who has been a chronic nail biter over 37 years. Bite my toenails too. When I finished college and was in the business world I began feeling self-conscious when a few people noticed or remarked about my badly chewed-down nails. . My Dr. said I was a hard-wired nail biter and would probably have to live with the habit for life. He suggested I could try hypnotherapy. I tried but it was ineffective. The therapist used gross mental imagery to discourage me from biting my nails. It did help to restrain me from doing it as much for about a month, and after that I returned for another session with the same results. The therapist said I was an extreme case and did not think further treatment would help me. Ironically I started smoking regularly as a teen but was about to quit a few years ago. But that caused me to bite my nails more. . .undoubtedly due to anxiety and oral gratification . So my nail biting is as bad or worse as it always was.

Jeffernation 06/21/2018

Hi nailman,

My condolences on an intractable habit. I hope you can feel good about yourself despite it.

Best wishes!

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