Body-Focused Repetitive Behaviors (BFRBS)

Understanding Body-Focused Repetitive Behaviors (BFRBs)

Body-Focused Repetitive Behaviors (BFRBs) are more than just habits—they’re behaviors that many people use to cope with difficult emotions or stress. These actions, like skin picking or hair pulling, can feel almost automatic and hard to control, leaving you feeling stuck or frustrated. The most common BFRBs include:

• Skin Picking (Dermatillomania): Constantly picking at your skin, which can lead to sores or scars.
• Hair Pulling (Trichotillomania): Pulling hair from your scalp, eyebrows, or other areas, sometimes resulting in noticeable hair loss.
• Nail Biting (Onychophagia): Biting or chewing nails and cuticles until they’re damaged or sore.
• Cheek or Lip Biting: Repeatedly biting the inside of your cheek or lips, which can cause discomfort or pain.

If you’re experiencing any of these behaviors, it’s important to know that you’re not alone. BFRBs are common, and they often happen as a way to cope with feelings like anxiety, stress, or boredom. While these behaviors might bring a temporary sense of relief, they can also lead to feelings of frustration, guilt, and sometimes even shame.

Why Do BFRBs Happen?

BFRBs are complicated, and they aren’t simply bad habits. They can be triggered by a variety of emotional or psychological factors, including:

• Stress or Anxiety: Many people notice their BFRBs worsen during moments of stress or when they feel overwhelmed.
• Boredom: Sometimes, these behaviors become a way to keep busy when nothing else is happening.
• Perfectionism: You might be trying to “fix” something you see as an imperfection, leading to picking or pulling.
• Emotional Regulation: BFRBs can be a way of soothing or coping with difficult emotions, even though they may leave you feeling worse afterward.

How BFRBs Affect Your Life

BFRBs can impact not only how you feel about yourself but also your emotional and physical well-being. You might notice scars, hair loss, or damage to your nails, which can sometimes lead to feelings of embarrassment or isolation. This can create a painful cycle of wanting to stop but feeling unsure of how to.

Finding Support for BFRBs

The good news is that help is available. Treatments like Habit Reversal Training (HRT) can make a big difference by helping you become more aware of the triggers behind the behavior and developing healthier ways to manage them. Healing takes time, but with the right support, you can regain control and start feeling better about yourself.

If you or someone you care about is struggling with a BFRB, you don’t have to navigate this alone. We’re here to offer guidance, support, and understanding as you work through these challenges. Reaching out is a brave first step toward healing, and we’re here for you every step of the way