Tips for stopping compulsive lip sucking/biting

[tilly22]

Hi,

Not sure if anyone else does this but I've been constantly sucking in and biting my lower lip for probably weeks now, kind of realised I was doing it but not really, and it's gotten really sore from it.

I'm assuming it's an anxiety thing (used to compulsively pick my face for years) but not sure how to practically stop doing it? Is there something "gross" you can put on your lips without it being bad to ingest if I do keep sucking at it? Or like a physical barrier..was thinking maybe put a ball of gum inbetween my lips and the teeth but not sure how long that'd last for.

[NatureLover]

Hi @tilly22 , there is another person on the forums who does this, but they are away at the moment. It's part of what's called Excoriation Disorder. If you look up Excoriation Disorder in the DSM-5 (Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders 5th edition), there are several causes listed.

I know this as I have Excoriation Disorder too. For me it's picking /scratching. You're right in that it's more of an anxiety thing, not self harm. 

The gum sounds like it's worth a try...or a cube of ice to suck /bite maybe? I'm not sure. Do you have a psychologist you could ask for tips from?

[BPDSurvivor]

Hi @tilly22 ,

As I was reading your post, I was also biting my lower lip. I tend to do it more often than I think. I've noticed that I bite my lip constantly when I and tired or stressed out. It seems to have become a habit now.

Im mindful that I do it a lot, but I'm not so worried because it's not stopping my everyday functioning in life. 

Im also a face picker and I have other quirks as well. But as I said, I'm not concerned about it, because I can still live and function effectively in life.

BPDSurvivor

[tilly22]

Hi @BPDSurvivor and @NatureLover ,

I'm not overly worried about it because the "things" I get when my anxiety is really high these days (agoraphobia also) do tend to clear themselves up if circumstances change.

(So for example, my agoraphobia or maybe it's related to a panic disorder has been really bad to the point where I can sometimes push myself to go outside to the post box, but that's usually it - but before lockdown I was fine to go to work...so it very much ebbs and flows.)

Having said that, because lockdown is ongoing, I did think trying to stop it would be good - just because it's hurting really...best thing I've been able to think of so far is just to stick my tongue between my  bottom lip and teeth instead so hopefully that doesn't become it's own compulsive thing haha (I did also have facial and vocal tics when I was younger...lots of "things" *sigh*)

[BPDSurvivor]

Hi @tilly22 ,

I guess you can only do what you can.

Breathe through it and make the most of the situation. I know it's a bummer being stuck in this Covid situation, but I hope you will be able to find something to do which you enjoy.

 Take care,

BPDSurvivor

[NatureLover]

@tilly22  I have agoraphobia and Excoriation Disorder...I'm sorry your agoraphobia is bad still. 

I'm glad you're not too worried about your lip biting. I think sticking your tongue there might be a good idea. 

Sending you lots of good wishes...