Biting your lip is a common and often unconscious behavior that can indicate various emotions such as yearning, anxiety, anticipation, boredom, or nervousness. However, in extreme cases, lip biting can become a body-focused repetitive behavior (BFRB) that interferes with a person’s life and overall well-being.
According to Barbara O. Rothbaum, PhD, ABPP, a professor of psychiatry at Emory University School of Medicine and a board member of The TLC Foundation for Body Focused Repetitive Behaviors, a BFRB is a habit that causes impairment in functioning. It makes individuals self-conscious, injured, or anxious to the point where it hinders their ability to interact with others, perform daily tasks, and enjoy important aspects of life.
While not everyone reaches the level of a BFRB, many people have experienced lip biting as a nervous habit at some point in their lives. Experts believe that body-focused habits often serve as a way to self-soothe or distract from anxiety. If biting your lip provides a sense of relief, even subconsciously, it is more likely to be repeated. During times of stress or anxiety, repetitive behaviors tend to increase as a coping mechanism.
The more frequently these actions are performed, the more likely they become ingrained in one’s behavior. Consequently, lip biting can evolve into a habit. However, the exact reason why some individuals develop lip biting as a habit over other actions is still unclear. It is speculated that genetic predispositions towards fidgeting or specific actions may play a role, but further scientific research is needed to support this theory.
If you are interested in stopping the habit of lip biting, there are several steps you can take. The first is to become aware of the behavior as it happens. By noticing when you engage in lip biting, you can document its occurrences, identify triggers, and prepare for situations where you are more likely to engage in this habit. Dr. Rothbaum recommends writing down these instances to track patterns and gain insight into the associated thoughts and feelings.
Additionally, finding a physical deterrent can be helpful in breaking the habit. Chewing gum is one such solution, as it prevents you from biting your lip and provides an alternative outlet for releasing stress or anxiety. You can chew gum whenever you notice the urge to bite your lip or as a preemptive measure in stressful situations.
Fortunately, for many people, breaking the habit of lip biting can be accomplished independently. However, if you feel that your lip biting is escalating into a BFRB and negatively impacting your life, it may be beneficial to seek help from a mental health professional. Organizations like The TLC Foundation for BFRBs provide resources and support for individuals dealing with these behaviors.
In conclusion, lip biting is a common behavior that can indicate various emotions and serve as a coping mechanism for anxiety. While it may not always develop into a habit or a BFRB, those looking to minimize lip biting can benefit from increased awareness, tracking patterns, and finding alternative ways to address stress. Seeking professional help is recommended if lip biting becomes a significant impairment in daily functioning.
