What is behind the habit of gnawing nails?

Theories that explain in one way or another the habit of gnawing nails are many. But until the end it is not known what causes people to do this. What is "gnawing" a person ?

Several theories explaining the causes of onychophagia

1. Manifestation of a child's neurosis

So many doctors believe, explaining that a child, Which gnaws nails, gets rid of this way from discomfort and psychological stress. This habit gives a way out of the accumulated aggression, while giving pleasure. An important role is played by the fear of "adult" life (the child, holding a finger in his mouth, feels still small, having the right to weakness).

2. Household Causes

Another source consider boredom, inability to occupy yourself. And often it arises and as a result of imitation of the adult (if the parents have a habit of gnawing their nails, then the child will do the same). By the way, this habit can also appear in the case if the baby's nails are poorly groomed. Dried burrs force the child to get rid of them on their own.

3. Suppressed desires

Followers of Freud consider this habit to be analogous to masturbation. But, unlike the latter, it is a less challenging way of satisfying, which obviously influences its prevalence.

So why do you need to nail your nails?

Onihofagiya (need to gnaw nails) often occurs in people who are not able to express their negative emotions. This way of behavior is attributed to auto-aggression, that is, to such aggression, which is directed at oneself. This is a kind of self-deprecation, self-blame, associated with the subconscious symbolic attitude to the nails as claws of the animal, that is, as a means of protection and manifestation of power. Thus, by nibbling at the nails, a person tries to hide his aggression aimed at others.

These characteristics are typical, as a rule, for people who are unsure of themselves, timid or otherwise, energetic, confident, but understanding that the situation will not allow them to express the full force of the feelings experienced, and overwhelming emotions consciously.

The saddest thing in the habit of gnawing on the nails is that their slovenly, depressing appearance makes a person even more averse to themselves and, as a consequence, increases their desire to gnaw. This is such a vicious circle. How can we escape from it?

What if you have onychophagia?

In order to help yourself cope with this habit, you need to want to get rid of it. Do not blame yourself for the fact that again and again your fingers are in your mouth. You need to create conditions that will make you give up this.

Men are easier to get rid of this dubious pleasure. It is enough for them to apply a special lacquer on their nails, which has an unpleasant taste, which discourages an obsessive desire. In addition, this varnish has in its composition a vitamin complex, which helps the nails to take a proper look. Doctors are advised to apply it every two days, after washing off the remnants of the old one.

And women should make themselves a beautiful manicure with overhead acrylic nails. Any representative of the fair sex will be pleased to look at her fingers, and this will greatly enhance self-esteem and help to keep from the bad habit. In addition, acrylic is very inconvenient for gnawing.

Those who observe increased irritability, insomnia, impaired appetite, impulsiveness, should seek support from specialists. After all, a man who gnaws on his nails "gnaws" himself, which means that it is necessary to find out the cause of this condition and prescribe a cure.