Dibble Posted November 6, 2014 Posted November 6, 2014 I was just going about my business at home (currently working on my daily NaNoWriMo word count) and when I stopped to mull something over in my mind I noticed that I had automatically stuck my thumb in my mouth. It got me to thinking on why I still do this. I've never been able to quit sucking on my thumb, most likely because of an insecure or non-existent bond between me and my primary care giver, my mother. I have no memories of my life before the age of 7 which could mean all kinds of things. I just know that I've always sucked my thumb whenever I get tired or stressed and that I've tried quitting many times but always return to it, specially at home. They tried all the usual stuff with me of course, putting a bandaid on it or smearing something foul tasting on my thumb so I wouldn't want to stick it in my mouth anymore. I was too stubborn, though, and I persisted. The only consequence, aside from living with a slightly embaressing secret, is that two teeth from the lower jar have a bit of a gap between them from where my thumb keeps pushing against them which is easily fixed with bracers. Other than that it just serves as a reminder of how my parents felt that children should serve their parents rather than it being the other way around. Does anyone else here have similar habits as a result of insecure childhoods?
wizzzardry Posted November 6, 2014 Posted November 6, 2014 Hi Dibble, sorry to hear that you've faced this type of adversity. A classmate of mine did the same thing. His front teeth jutted out and apart very noticably. He was a middle child, with an older and younger brother. A friend of mine bit his fingernails to the point that he would get infections. This may not be relevant, but sometimes when I feel unsure of myself I will touch my ears. Not a huge thing. But these insecurities telegraph out to others.
Dibble Posted November 6, 2014 Author Posted November 6, 2014 This may not be relevant, but sometimes when I feel unsure of myself I will touch my ears. Not a huge thing. But these insecurities telegraph out to others. Well it might be something that you do which is based on past experiences. In any case as you say it does telegraph to the world that you're not comfortable in that moment. Makes you wonder what about those moments makes you uncomfortable enough to display this habit. In my own case I know I do it when I'm tired and stressed and generally in need of comfort. Luckily I'm able to control the behavior when I'm out and about though sometimes if I get really tired or upset I do notice the urge to put my thumb in my mouth and sometimes it even gets to that. But then I'll just pretend I just wanted to brush past my lip or rest my head on my hand awkwardly as though I'm thinking.
kalmia Posted November 10, 2014 Posted November 10, 2014 I know I touch my hands arms, neck and head. I remember hearing someone who is supposed to be good at reading body language say that discomfort can sometimes be measured in another person by how high up the arm that person touches. Touching the neck or head shows great discomfort. I notice this in myself and others and try to identify what is causing the discomfort. I try to force myself to sit and stand in a position that is supposed to be one pd more comfort. I'm not sure how much it does to help although it can help stop anxiety from escalating too much. I think I do this as a self soothing act. I noticed recently while on psilocybin that I did this much more. Psilocybin magnifies repressed emotions. I must have some repressed discomfort that is causing the self soothing.
Recommended Posts