Help with harmful nervous habits. Any advice?

Could your doctor prescribe something like valium to calm you down? Also, work on reducing the cause of stress.

Antidepressants saved life. Amazingly the also stopped my nearly lifelong habit of pulling out my eyelashes which was my nervous stress reduction technique. Also, mindfulness meditation(read Jon Karat Zin) and/or Yoga can help.

I also bit my lips and inside of my cheeks. I have been doing this since childhood. My dentist made a bite guard for me because I grind my teeth when asleep. When I'm especially stressed during the day I have worn the guard and it has worked wonders in preventing me from biting the inside of my mouth. Ask your dentist if this might be a solution for you.

Put a rubber band around your wrist. Every time you catch yourself biting your lips, twang the rubber band. Aversion therapy, I think it's called. Wish I could say, "Can't hurt. Might help." But really? It hurts!!!

ProfeChari, check out the Chapstick flavors or similar type of product and buy one that has a flavor you really don't like.... put that on your lips.... it's worth a couple of dollars to try out.

Thanks to all who responded to my question! I have written personally to all of you. At least I have some new things to try and I know some of you have had similar habits. It nice to know that, no matter what the question, someone here will care and try to help!

I take Klonopin as an anticonvulsive med. It is also supposed to serve as an antianxiety med....have discussed it with my doctor and dentist..... A good suggestion, though, Thank You.

Well, let's go back to the source of stress. Do you want to describe the circumstances so we can possibly identify a solution to that?

You are the only one who has responded to my question, and I appreciate you concern more than you can imagine. It is just feeding into my low mood and isolation right now. It is. 1:30AM here,, and I can't remember when I last slept. I am too tired to try to explain the circumstances and feelings right now. I hope you understand and are not offended. I will keep in touch with you. Thank you for your kindness. Talk soon.

I understand a bit about situational depression. My meds help me, so I am a big fan of medical care. Changes in your life circumstances and a spouse's health is upsetting and can tilt your world, and I can personally attest to that. There may be emotional and practical support available for both your husband's health issues and things relating to your life changes. You can google for information about the specific issues involved, let us know, look for a counselor/therapist/social worker. Then follow through on getting some help for yourself to cope. We hope that you will get the support you need. Let us know.