/r/calmhands

Photograph via snooOG

r/calmhands is a community based around kicking the habit of kicking compulsive habits such as nail biting and nail picking. The goal of the sub is for you to be able to share resources, photos, and accountability with a lovely community that wants to do the same. Together we got this!

Hi and welcome to r/calmhands a place where people go if they want to learn to be calmer in order to stop skin picking, nail biting, hair pulling or other nervous habits they have by examining what gets them started in the first place, trying to stop and forgiving yourself when you give in.

All healing contributions are welcome! Anger expressed at other users, off topic jokes that don't directly relate to healing, posts that are negative that don't directly relate to getting better will not be tolerated.

Here are some guidelines for this subreddit:

1)Please Block and Report trolls. It will not be tolerated.

2)Please write the words "trigger warning" or "picture trigger warning" if you are going to write graphic and descriptive details about your habit or post a graphic picture. (Possible flairs coming soon).

3)Please post your story about how you developed the habit you have and if there are any times you remember stopping yourself. You are brave for posting.

You are a human being and you are beautiful since you are alive. Everyone has weak points and makes mistakes but you can overcome them! Even with red spots, bald spots and bitten nails you are beautiful and you can do amazing things with your body!

Please post your experience with telling others about your habit, as some habits like nail biting are more “mainstream” than others like skin picking. A lot of these habits hold power because they are done in secret. Remember the people who care about you should listen if you find a good time to tell them and ask them to listen and not comment. Hopefully they will give you a hug too.

Related Communities

  • Compulsive Skin Picking - A forum focused on a form of OCD called Compulsive Skin Picking.

  • Trichsters - A forum focused on trichotillomania, or compulsive hair-pulling.

  • Trichotillomania - A forum focused on trichotillomania, or compulsive hair-pulling.

  • OCD - A forum for people with any type of OCD.

  • Anxiety - A forum for anxious people

FAQ*

  • Why did you guys start this community?

/r/Calmhands is a community to be able to connect with other people who have the same issues you may have. We believe that it’s easier to stop a bad habit when you’re got a group to help support you along the way. Through support each other our goal is to help stop bad habits whether it’s nail biting, skin picking, hair pulling, etc.

  • What are body repetitive behaviors?

Well, there are a lot. Trichotillomania and dermatillomania to name a few. Those include things like cheek biting, skin picking, nail biting, etc. These are related to OCD but are not OCD and so typically require a different type of treatment.

  • Well if it isn’t OCD but related, what treatment will help?

Well there are a ton of different treatments. Things like cognitive behavioral therapy, dialectical therapy, hypnosis, NAC amino acid, etc. Here in the /r/calmhands community we focus on being your cheerleaders and the best support group we can be.

  • I feel I need more help, where can I get that?

Well we have some for you. Check out our addition resosources section below, it’s an ever growing list that anyone and everyone is welcome to message the mods to help expand. In the list below each resource will be described in a bit more detail.

Additional Resources

  • The TLC Foundation for Body Focused Repetitive Behaviors (www.BFRB.org) is the major US organization that funds research for a cure, hosts training sessions for treatment professionals, and provides support for the community. They also host an annual conference and have a listing of hair salons and therapists on their website. It was started in the 90s by a hair puller, Christina Pearson.

  • Heart & Soul Academy (https://hasacademy.org/) - Christina Pearson now runs Heart & Soul. She has focused more on integrative health strategies and how they can help us all heal. They hold an annual retreat.

  • www.CanadianBFRB.org is a Canadian-based org primarily focused on building awareness and supporting the community. Their blog has many useful tips. This is volunteer run. Please reach out if you want to help them!

  • www.PickingMe.org is a foundation started by a compulsive skin picker for compulsive skin pickers. Their goal is to build awareness through outreach to treatment professionals. They also provide support to support groups.

/r/calmhands

55,581 Subscribers

2

seeking tips for nails

Hey everyone! I’ve been trying to take better care of my nails lately, but I’m looking for some expert advice on how to keep them looking healthy and strong. Any tips on nail care routines, the best products to use, or how to avoid breakage? I’d also love to hear about your favorite at home nail treatments or polishes. Appreciate any suggestions! 

0 Comments
2024/12/02
23:40 UTC

0

To release stress and relax

To deal with stress I usually practice meditation with music playing in the background. Here is one of the playlists I use. It's ambient music, without rhythm, soothing, perfect for relaxation and introspection. If it helps you...

https://open.spotify.com/playlist/2IISaXbOhyEpLrPJyNX2wo?si=qmB3F_AXQauxLzSuLK32VQ

H-Music

0 Comments
2024/12/02
20:10 UTC

6

Anyone else bite lips, cheeks, etc.?

My progress never feels like it matters because I end up picking or biting some other part of my body. When I'm not tearing my cuticles and skin around my nails apart, I'm chewing my whole mouth apart, or my tongue sometimes, or my lips (especially in winter). I'll pick my acne on my back or face. It feels so frustrating to never completely heal! Does anyone else struggle with this cycle?

3 Comments
2024/12/02
09:57 UTC

2

Anyone tried mindfulness to stop nail biting?

I’ve been biting my nails for years and with everything going on in my life as a single mom and substitute teacher, it’s hard to break the habit. It’s gotten worse lately with stress and juggling everything and I just don’t know where to start. I’ve heard mindfulness can help but I’m not sure if it’s really worth trying. Has anyone here tried it? Did it help with your habits? I’m willing to try anything at this point. Any advice would be appreciated!

2 Comments
2024/12/02
01:30 UTC

3

anyone tried hypnotherapy?

i have been biting my cuticles ever since i can remember and nothing seems to be working to stop it. my old psychiatrist told me that it had to have a trigger and recommend hypno to me but i got scared and didnt follow up with it. has anyone here tried it before? and if so did it help?

2 Comments
2024/12/01
10:01 UTC

5

acrylic vs press-ons

i have always been an avid nail biter/ picker. i’ve recently stopped biting as bad as i used to but now im constantly picking at my cuticles or the sides of my nails or clipping and picking at every little thing i see that’s not “normal” on my nails. i loveee getting my nails done and feeling “pretty” 😂

for anyone who’s tried both. which would you recommend. i do feel acrylics stay on longer than press-ons usually do. i do clean for work so im constantly washing my hands/ my hands are always wet.

4 Comments
2024/11/30
05:51 UTC

4

Fidgets?

Anyone have fidgets that actually work? Everyone suggests I get the plastic ones but it doesn’t bring me the same sooth as finger picking.

2 Comments
2024/11/28
03:15 UTC

5

Does this look like finger clubbing to you?

Hi Calmhands gang, I've relapsed but during my brief growth phase I noticed that my index on my left hand looks a little weird.

Does this look like finger clubbing to you?

https://imgur.com/a/vM69qzm

7 Comments
2024/11/25
19:36 UTC

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