Biting the skin off my fingers feels like self-harm – but I can’t stop | Ask Annalisa Barbieri

Therapy could help you figure out why you still resort to this coping mechanism from your past - which is one I can relate to

Since childhood I have bitten the skin off my fingers, often leaving them bloody and painful. I am in my 50s now and my poor fingers look dreadful after years of chewing.

I understand this to be a form of self-harm but it is such ingrained behaviour I seem unable to stop. I feel embarrassed by the state of my hands and find myself often tucking my fingers under so people can't see them.