• Feeling isolated? You're not alone.

    Join 20,000+ people who understand exactly how your day went. Whether you're newly diagnosed, self-identified, or supporting someone you love – this is a space where you don't have to explain yourself.

    Join the Conversation → It's free, anonymous, and supportive.

    As a member, you'll get:

    • A community that actually gets it – no judgment, no explanations needed
    • Private forums for sensitive topics (hidden from search engines)
    • Real-time chat with others who share your experiences
    • Your own blog to document your journey

    You've found your people. Create your free account

Cuticle picking - stimming?

D

DissolvedGirl

Active Member
Hello again! I was wondering if cuticle picking could be classified as stimming. I've been doing this for as long as I can remember, especially when I'm stressed. Either way, I always need to do something with my hands. This is unfortunately kinda destructive, but it's gotten better over the years. Yet I still find myself doing it over and over again, especially in social situations or when I'm stressed.
Could this be classified as stimming?
 
I have always picked at the skin on my right thumb - that's definitely a stim, and I tend to do this particularly when stressed. I don't think I can remember a time when the skin on my thumb was unbroken. When I have consciously tried to stop myself doing this, I have just ended up more stressed due to the lack of stimming.
 
AO1501 said:
I have always picked at the skin on my right thumb - that's definitely a stim, and I tend to do this particularly when stressed. I don't think I can remember a time when the skin on my thumb was unbroken. When I have consciously tried to stop myself doing this, I have just ended up more stressed due to the lack of stimming.
Click to expand...
Thank you! I've only very recently connected the dots that I might be Aspie. I was diagnosed with various other things, including BPD. I can totally relate to you, I end up more anxious and there's always been a lot of inner and outer pressure to stop doing this.
I guess now I'll just own it and try not to stick my nails in too deep :))
 
It wouldn't be a good thing to stop a successful form of stimming - and it would be a successful stim if you've been doing it so long!
 
You must log in or register to reply here.

New Threads

Top Bottom