My child has developed a habit of twisting his hair. He pulls, twists, and rubs it with his fingers, creating a distinct sound as his hair slips between his fingertips. I’ve observed him doing this since he was very young. Even before he had his own hair, he would tug at mine while I carried him around.
I can see where he gets it from; I’ve been doing this for as long as I can remember, particularly when I feel stressed or anxious. My family often told me to stop, with my grandmother warning me that I’d struggle to find a partner if I didn’t quit the habit.
I’ve found myself unconsciously engaging in this behavior during intimate moments or while dining with friends, especially when my mind is preoccupied. At times, I’ve even realized my arm has gone numb from the constant tugging.
This is a practice I likely won’t abandon; it provides me with comfort, and I often don’t even notice I’m doing it. Since March of last year, when the world changed dramatically due to COVID-19, I’ve noticed my son twisting his hair more frequently—every morning he comes downstairs, during meals, and even while doing homework. I’ve even caught him doing it while driving me to appointments.
I’ve also recognized a change in my boyfriend, who has taken to biting his nails—something he never did when we first started dating. The stress of owning a business during the pandemic has undoubtedly contributed to this shift.
A recent survey revealed that body-focused repetitive behaviors (BFRBs) have surged in 67.2% of individuals affected since the onset of COVID-19. The Journal of the American Academy of Dermatology notes that while the study had its limitations, it highlights that the anticipated psychological impacts of the pandemic are indeed manifesting. Participants with both skin and hair BFRBs reported heightened distress and functional impairment.
It is estimated that around 1 in 20 individuals struggle with BFRBs. Although experts are still trying to pinpoint the precise causes, they agree that genetics and personality traits play a significant role. Studies indicate that stress and anxiety can trigger these habits, making it understandable that a global crisis like the pandemic would exacerbate them.
For someone like me, who already engages in hair pulling, the added anxiety from the pandemic has intensified the behavior. Many people dealing with anxiety often need something to occupy their hands.
While we all have quirks, it’s an entirely different matter when these behaviors spiral out of control, leading to skin picking, hair pulling, or nail biting. The pandemic may have exacerbated these issues for many.
If you find yourself feeling overwhelmed by such habits, it might be time to seek help. Healthline suggests that if you’re damaging your skin or nails, it’s wise to explore treatment options. Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, medications like Prozac or Zoloft, and alternative remedies such as acupuncture or massage can be effective. Additionally, discovering new behaviors, like chewing gum, may help.
Harvard Health emphasizes the importance of recognizing your triggers. Understanding what prompts your behavior can be the first step towards identifying effective treatments. For example, if your compulsive behavior is triggered by a skin condition like acne, consulting a dermatologist might be beneficial.
They also recommend finding distractions for your hands, such as fidget toys or stress balls. Furthermore, sharing your goals with friends and family can provide accountability and motivation to reduce these habits.
If you’re grappling with these challenges, it’s crucial to find strategies that work for you. There is no universal solution; the key is discovering what will help you manage your anxiety while preserving your well-being and self-confidence. For more insights on related topics, check out this blog post.
For further information on self-care and support, visit Make A Mom, an authority on home insemination. Also, consider resources like UCSF’s IVF for pregnancy-related support.
Search Queries:
- How to stop skin picking?
- Nail biting solutions
- Coping with BFRBs
- Managing anxiety and compulsive behaviors
- Natural remedies for nail biting
Summary:
The pandemic has led to a noticeable increase in compulsive behaviors such as skin picking, nail biting, and hair pulling. Many individuals, including children and adults alike, are experiencing heightened levels of stress, which exacerbates these behaviors. Seeking help through therapy, medication, and self-care strategies can aid in managing these habits effectively.