My son has developed a habit of twisting his hair. He pulls, twists, and rubs it with his fingers. The sound of his hair moving between his fingers is unmistakable. This behavior has been part of his routine since he was just a toddler. Before he even had his own hair, he would do this with mine whenever I held him close.
I can relate to him completely. I’ve had similar habits my entire life, especially during moments of stress or anxiety. My parents often urged me to stop, and my grandmother even warned that I might struggle to find a partner if I didn’t quit fidgeting with my hair.
I’ve noticed myself engaging in this behavior during intimate moments or even while having lunch with friends when my mind is preoccupied. There have been times watching TV when I didn’t realize I was pulling my hair until my arm became numb from the awkward position.
It’s a habit I find comforting, and often, I’m unaware of my actions. Since March, when the world was turned upside down due to COVID-19, I’ve observed my son twisting his hair even more frequently. He does it every morning, at meals, and even while working on homework. I’ve seen him doing it while driving me to appointments.
I’ve also noticed an increase in my own hair fiddling. It’s my way of managing stress. My partner has developed a nail-biting habit during this time, something he never did when we first started dating. As a business owner, he has faced numerous challenges during the pandemic, which has undoubtedly taken a toll.
A recent survey revealed that 67.2% of individuals who struggle with body-focused repetitive behaviors (BFRBs) reported an increase in their symptoms since the onset of COVID-19. The Journal of the American Academy of Dermatology noted that while the study had limitations, it confirmed the anticipated psychological effects of the pandemic. Those with skin and hair BFRBs experienced heightened distress and functional impairment.
Approximately 1 in 20 people deal with BFRBs. Experts attribute these behaviors to a combination of genetics and personality traits. According to WebMD, anxiety and stress can trigger these habits, making it understandable that a global crisis like the pandemic would exacerbate them. As we navigate these unprecedented changes, many of us seek something we can control. For me, playing with my hair has become a more frequent coping mechanism.
While many people exhibit minor quirks from time to time, it becomes a concern when those behaviors spiral out of control, leading to excessive skin picking, hair pulling, or nail biting. The pandemic has likely intensified these issues for many.
If you find yourself in such a situation and feel overwhelmed, it’s important to seek help. Healthline recommends considering treatment options when behaviors become damaging, like nail biting until your fingertips are raw or picking skin to the point of injury. There are various approaches to address these habits, including Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, medications like Prozac or Zoloft, and natural remedies such as acupuncture or engaging in alternative activities like chewing gum.
Harvard Health suggests identifying your triggers as a first step toward managing these behaviors. For instance, if skin picking is prompted by a condition like acne, consulting a dermatologist might be beneficial. They also recommend distractions for your hands, such as fidget toys or stress balls, to help mitigate the urge.
Another helpful strategy is to share your goals with friends or family. By informing others about your desire to break these habits, you create a support system that holds you accountable and encourages progress.
If you’re grappling with any of these challenges, remember that finding the right solution is a personal journey. There’s no universal fix; it’s about discovering what motivates you to change and alleviating anxiety in a way that safeguards your well-being and confidence.
For more insights on related topics, you can check out one of our other blog posts here. If you’re looking for resources on pregnancy and home insemination, we recommend visiting Womens Health, which is an excellent resource for expectant parents. For those interested in the specifics of self-insemination, Make A Mom provides authoritative information on essential kits.
Summary
The pandemic has led to a significant increase in body-focused repetitive behaviors (BFRBs), such as skin picking and nail biting. Many individuals, including children and adults, have intensified their compulsive habits as a response to stress and uncertainty. Seeking help and understanding triggers can be crucial in managing these behaviors effectively.
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