Some people bite their nails, twirl their hair or are seen constantly biting their lips. Sometimes these behaviors are signs someone is bored or stressed, and other times they can be the sign of something more concerning. This is when those habits or movements become Body-Focused Repetitive Behaviors (BFRBs), which are a group of disorders characterized by repetitive, compulsive actions that involve damaging one’s body. The most common types of BFRBs include trichotillomania (hair-pulling), excoriation disorder/dermatillomania (skin-picking) and onychophagia (nail-biting). These behaviors can lead to significant physical damage, emotional distress, and social impairment. This week is BFRB Awareness week and a reminder to look at our own personal behaviors and what distinguishes them from mere physical habits or potential dangers.
According to the experts at the Mayo Clinic (communityhealth.mayoclinic.org) behavior is classified as a concern when it becomes compulsive and leads to negative consequences in various aspects of life, including physical health, emotional well-being, and social interactions. Whereas typical habits that may be annoying, do not interfere with daily functions. BFRBs often escalate in severity over time, where a person can become unable to control their urges despite wanting to stop, leading to feelings of shame or embarrassment. This cycle of body-focused behavior used as a coping mechanism for stress or anxiety, then causes more stress and anxiety and further imbeds the habit.
If you notice that you or a loved one is using these behaviors, and they are causing noticeable harm or distress, this is concerning. If you are developing bald patches from hair pulling or painful skin lesions or unhealed wounds from excessive picking, it’s time to seek help. If your behavior interferes with daily activities, is impacting your work or relationships, or leads to significant emotional distress like anxiety or depression, it’s time to consult a mental health professional. Recognizing these signs early can prevent further complications and start effective treatment.
The first step to any need is knowing it’s there and then seeking care. This is the biggest and best step we can always take. For BFRBs you can always reach out to your healthcare provider who will likely refer you to someone who specializes in mental health disorders. This isn’t a bad thing or a reason for shame, this means help is coming! They can provide an accurate diagnosis and recommend appropriate treatment options such as cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT), which has shown effectiveness in managing BFRBs. You may want to join online support groups and message boards that can offer support, shared experiences and coping strategies.
What shouldn’t you do? Self-diagnose or anyone else. Self-diagnosis can lead individuals down an inaccurate path of understanding their condition or mislead someone else. Without proper training and knowledge about mental health disorders, individuals may misinterpret their symptoms or overlook underlying issues that contribute to their BFRB. Furthermore, self-treatment methods may not address the root causes of the behavior and could potentially exacerbate the situation. Professional guidance ensures that individuals receive evidence-based treatments tailored specifically for their needs. Especially for those experiencing stress or anxiety, this is an opportunity to let someone else lead and not take on more stress.
This week is designated as BFRB Awareness Week—a time dedicated to educating others about these disorders without stigmatizing those affected by them. To raise awareness effectively:
- Share Educational Campaigns: Utilize social media platforms for educational posts that explain what BFRBs are, their impact on individuals’ lives, and how they differ from bad habits. Like and share!
- Personal Stories: Sharing personal narratives from those living with BFRBs can humanize the issue and foster audience empathy. If you aren’t ready to share, don’t, but if you have a story that you think can help and you are willing, it may feel empowering to share.
- Collaborative Efforts: Partner with organizations focused on mental health advocacy to amplify messages about understanding and compassion rather than judgment. Especially if you are working with youth or vulnerable communities. Lean on partners who can offer education and support.
One thing we can always do is focus on what we can learn, rather than what we think we may already know or pass judgment. By focusing on education rather than ridicule, awareness efforts can promote understanding while encouraging those affected by BFRBs to seek help without fear of stigma. Being mindful of our comments and how we share our view around these topics matters. Body-Focused Repetitive Behaviors are serious conditions requiring attention and care from qualified professionals rather than self-diagnosis or treatment attempts and without added pressures of ridicule or judgment. Awareness is a chance to lend a helping and supportive hand, especially this month as we learn about healing hands.