Body-focused repetitive behavior

Body-focused repetitive behavior is when someone habitually and excessively touches, picks, or pulls at their body in a way that causes damage or discomfort. This can include hair pulling (called trichotillomania), nail biting, skin picking (called dermatillomania), and even picking at scabs or sores.

Basically, when you feel anxious, stressed, or bored, your brain may tell you to start doing one of these behaviors. It might make you feel better temporarily, but then it can become a habit that's hard to break. For example, if you pull out your hair when you feel nervous, your brain might start to link that action with relieving anxiety, so it becomes a go-to action every time you feel anxious.

These behaviors can become problematic when they start to interfere with daily life, cause physical harm, or become a source of shame and distress. It's important to reach out for help from a therapist or mental health professional if you or someone you know is struggling with body-focused repetitive behavior. They can help you find strategies to manage the behavior and work through any underlying emotional or mental health issues.