The reason why you bite your nails, according to a psychologist
Why biting your nails is more than just a bad habit
- Clinical psychologist Dr Charlie Heriot-Maitland proposes that habits such as nail biting and skin picking are not merely reflexes but survival mechanisms.
- These behaviours are described as 'small harms' that provide immediate physical focus and tension release, helping individuals cope with overwhelming emotions.
- Dr Heriot-Maitland's new book, 'Controlled Explosions in Mental Health', categorises these habits as milder forms of self-harm, aiming to foster understanding of more stigmatised issues.
- The theory suggests the human brain, evolved for survival, prefers the certainty of a controlled, known threat over the unpredictability of an unknown one.
- Rather than seeking quick solutions, Dr Heriot-Maitland advises understanding the underlying function and fears driving these behaviours to address them effectively.