I am desperately seeking advice on what to do. I have bitten my nails since before I can remember (I am 32 now) it got worse when I was about 13/14 when I bit one nail all the way down to the cuticle and slowly did it to four other nails and since then it’s stayed this way. It’s a subconscious thing that I just do, I’ll do it when I’m sad, happy, anxious etc. I also do this weird thing where I rub them over the stitching of my clothes and the broken sticking out bits of nail catch on. I bite and pick until they bleed, I’ve had numerous excruciating infections and even then I can’t  stop.

I have tried EVERYTHING. The gross nail polish, false nails (not really an option now), I’ve gone to the doctors and was put on bupropion (didn’t work). Literally anything and everything, I have tried. When I’m in situations where I can’t bite or pick, like around other people etc I replace it with splitting my split ends and biting the skin off my lips.

I was diagnosed AuDHD 8 months ago, I don’t know if it’s related. But it’s got to the point where I can’t see a way out of it and it’s hindering me in a lot of ways. I’m so embarrassed so please be kind to me. My therapist suggested those picking fidget toys which I am going to try, although I have a sneaking suspicion it won’t help. So I come here asking if anyone has any advice or suggestions.

TYIA

Chronic nail biting/picking