Feeling Alone and Biting My Nails

Question #29071

19 days ago

Feeling Alone and Biting My Nails - #29071

Client_6a06ab

Bonjour docteur depuis tout petit mange mes ongle est je pleur becououp est je pars a école de 8h a 16h est après je révise 8h midi a 11h je sais pas c est quoi problème mais je me sens seul je mange ongle est je pleur becououp

How long have you been feeling this way?:

- More than 6 months

What triggers your nail biting?:

- Anxiety

Have you talked to anyone about your feelings?:

- I don't feel comfortable talking about it

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Doctors' responses

Dr. Bharat Joshi

I’m a periodontist and academician with a strong clinical and teaching background. Over the last 4 years and 8 months, I’ve been actively involved in dental education, guiding students at multiple levels including dental hygienist, BDS, and MDS programs. Currently, I serve as a Reader at MMCDSR in Ambala, Haryana—a role that allows me to merge my academic passion with hands-on experience. Clinically, I’ve been practicing dentistry for the past 12 years. From routine procedures like scaling and root planing to more advanced cases involving grafts, biopsies, and implant surgeries. Honestly, I still find joy in doing a simple RCT when it’s needed. It’s not just about the procedure but making sure the patient feels comfortable and safe. Academically, I have 26 research publications to my credit. I’m on the editorial boards of the Archives of Dental Research and Journal of Dental Research and Oral Health, and I’ve spent a lot of time reviewing manuscripts—from case reports to meta-analyses and even book reviews. I was honored to receive the “Best Editor” award by Innovative Publications, and Athena Publications recognized me as an “excellent reviewer,” which honestly came as a bit of a surprise! In 2025, I had the opportunity to present a guest lecture in Italy on traumatic oral lesions. Sharing my work and learning from peers globally has been incredibly fulfilling. Outside academics and clinics, I’ve also worked in the pharmaceutical sector as a Drug Safety Associate for about 3 years, focusing on pharmacovigilance. That role really sharpened my attention to detail and deepened my understanding of drug interactions and adverse effects. My goal is to keep learning, and give every patient and student my absolute best.

19 days ago

Hello dear
See stress in increased by anxiety and overthinking
Iam suggesting some methods for improvement
Please follow them for atleast two months
Do physical exercise atleast half an hour daily for 5 months
Do meditation
Take good balanced diet for good health
Engage in social media
Indulge in hobbies like reading and writing
Avoid overthinking
Avoid junk food and alcohol/ smoking
Set your goals for every day
Hopefully improvement will occur
In case of no improvement in 2 month consult psychiatrist in person for better clarity
Regards

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Dr. Shayeque Reza

I completed my medical degree in 2023, but honestly, my journey in healthcare started way before that. Since 2018, I’ve been actively involved in clinical practice—getting hands-on exposure across multiple departments like ENT, pediatrics, dermatology, ophthalmology, medicine, and emergency care. One of the most intense and defining phases of my training was working at a District Government Hospital for a full year during the COVID pandemic. It was chaotic, unpredictable, and exhausting—but it also grounded me in real-world medicine like no textbook ever could. Over time, I’ve worked in both OPD and IPD setups, handling everything from mild viral fevers to more stubborn, long-term conditions. These day-to-day experiences really built my base and taught me how to stay calm when things get hectic—and how to adjust fast when plans don’t go as expected. What I’ve learned most is that care isn't only about writing the right medicine. It’s about being fully there, listening properly, and making sure the person feels seen—not just treated. Alongside clinical work, I’ve also been exposed to preventive health, health education, and community outreach. These areas really matter to me because I believe real impact begins outside the hospital, with awareness and early intervention. My approach is always centered around clarity, empathy, and clinical logic—I like to make sure every patient knows exactly what’s going on and why we’re doing what we’re doing. I’ve always felt a pull towards general medicine and internal care, and honestly, I’m still learning every single day—each patient brings a new lesson. Medicine never really sits still, it keeps shifting, and I try to shift with it. Not just in terms of what I know, but also in how I listen and respond. For me, it’s always been about giving real care. Genuine, respectful, and the kind that actually helps a person heal—inside and out.

19 days ago

Ce que tu décris ressemble surtout à de l’anxiété avec un sentiment de solitude, et le fait de ronger les ongles est souvent une façon inconsciente de gérer le stress ou les émotions difficiles. Le fait que tu pleures beaucoup et que cela dure depuis plus de 6 mois montre que ce n’est pas juste passager et mérite de l’attention, surtout avec un emploi du temps chargé (école + révisions) qui peut te fatiguer mentalement. Tu peux commencer par de petites choses simples : essayer de réduire la pression (faire des pauses, respirations profondes), occuper tes mains (balle anti-stress, stylo), garder les ongles courts, et surtout ne pas rester seul avec ce que tu ressens—même si c’est difficile, parler à une personne de confiance (parent, enseignant, conseiller scolaire) peut vraiment aider. Si possible, consulter un psychologue serait très bénéfique pour comprendre ce que tu ressens et apprendre à gérer ton anxiété. En résumé, tes symptômes sont liés au stress et à un mal-être émotionnel, pas à quelque chose de “grave” physiquement, mais tu as besoin de soutien et d’écoute pour aller mieux.

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Dr. Aarav Deshmukh

I am a general physician with 8 years of practice, mostly in urban clinics and semi-rural setups. I began working right after MBBS in a govt hospital in Kerala, and wow — first few months were chaotic, not gonna lie. Since then, I’ve seen 1000s of patients with all kinds of cases — fevers, uncontrolled diabetes, asthma, infections, you name it. I usually work with working-class patients, and that changed how I treat — people don’t always have time or money for fancy tests, so I focus on smart clinical diagnosis and practical treatment. Over time, I’ve developed an interest in preventive care — like helping young adults with early metabolic issues. I also counsel a lot on diet, sleep, and stress — more than half the problems start there anyway. I did a certification in evidence-based practice last year, and I keep learning stuff online. I’m not perfect (nobody is), but I care. I show up, I listen, I adjust when I’m wrong. Every patient needs something slightly different. That’s what keeps this work alive for me.

17 days ago

Il semble que vous ressentez un niveau élevé de stress ou d’anxiété, ce qui pourrait être lié à vos habitudes de vie quotidienne. L’action de se ronger les ongles, aussi appelé onychophagie, est souvent associée à l’anxiété ou au stress, et pleurer fréquemment pourrait être un signe de détresse émotionnelle. La première étape, c’est d’essayer de comprendre les sources de ce stress. Tout d’abord, regardez votre emploi du temps : des heures d’étude prolongées après l’école peuvent être épuisantes et contribuer à un état de fatigue mentale. Il est important d’assurer un bon équilibre entre travail, loisirs et repos. Une première suggestion serait d’intégrer des pauses régulières lors des sessions d’étude, de pratiquer des activités relaxantes ou sportives, et de vous assurer de bien dormir la nuit. La gestion du temps de manière équilibrée peut jouer un rôle important pour réduire l’anxiété. Ensuite, considérez la possibilité de faire face à ces sentiments en parlant à quelqu’un de confiance comme un ami de la famille ou un professionnel, éventuellement un psychologue scolaire. La communication peut souvent aider à atténuer le sentiment de solitude et à comprendre pourquoi vous ressentez ce que vous ressentez. Parfois,cette situation nécessite une évaluation plus approfondie par un professionnel de santé mentale pour explorer d’autres troubles anxieux ou dépressifs potentiels. En attendant, essayer des techniques de relaxation comme la respiration profonde, la méditation ou le yoga peut aider à apaiser l’esprit. Si ces comportements persistent ou que vous ressentez que l’anxiété ou la dépression s’aggrave, ne tardez pas à consulter un professionnel de la santé pour un soutien approprié.

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Dr. Arsha K Isac

I am a general dentist with 3+ years of working in real-world setups, and lemme say—every single patient teaches me something diff. It’s not just teeth honestly, it’s people… and how they feel walking into the chair. I try really hard to not make it just a “procedure thing.” I explain stuff in plain words—no confusing dental jargon, just straight talk—coz I feel like when ppl *get* what's going on, they feel safer n that makes all the difference. Worked with all ages—like, little kids who need that gentle nudge about brushing, to older folks who come in with long histories and sometimes just need someone to really sit n listen. It’s weirdly rewarding to see someone walk out lighter, not just 'coz their toothache's gone but coz they felt seen during the whole thing. A lot of ppl come in scared or just unsure, and I honestly take that seriously. I keep the vibe calm. Try to read their mood, don’t rush. I always tell myself—every smile’s got a story, even the broken ones. My thing is: comfort first, then precision. I want the outcome to last, not just look good for a week. Not tryna claim perfection or magic solutions—just consistent, clear, hands-on care where patients feel heard. I think dentistry should *fit* the person, not push them into a box. That's kinda been my philosophy from day one. And yeah, maybe sometimes I overexplain or spend a bit too long checking alignment again but hey, if it means someone eats pain-free or finally smiles wide in pics again? Worth it. Every time.

19 days ago

Hello
Ce que tu décris ressemble surtout à de l’anxiété avec une habitude appelée Onychophagia, souvent liée au stress, à la solitude ou aux émotions difficiles. Le fait de pleurer beaucoup et de te sentir seul depuis plus de 6 mois peut aussi être un signe de Trouble anxieux ou parfois de tristesse persistante qui mérite de l’attention. Tu n’es pas « bizarre » ou « faible » — beaucoup d’enfants et d’adolescents vivent cela, surtout avec un emploi du temps chargé comme école de 8h à 16h puis révisions.
Il y a des choses simples que tu peux commencer dès maintenant. Essaye de garder tes ongles courts, occupe tes mains quand tu es stressé (balle anti-stress, crayon, dessin), et prends de petites pauses pour respirer lentement quand tu sens l’envie de mordre tes ongles. Dormir suffisamment et avoir un moment de détente après l’école aide aussi beaucoup.
Le point le plus important est de ne pas rester seul avec ça. Même si c’est difficile, parler à un adulte de confiance — parent, enseignant, conseiller scolaire ou médecin — peut vraiment aider à trouver du soutien et réduire cette sensation de solitude. Si les pleurs sont fréquents ou si tu te sens très triste la plupart des jours, un professionnel de santé peut t’aider avec des techniques simples pour gérer l’anxiété.
Take care
Regards

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Dr. Prasannajeet Singh Shekhawat

I am a 2023 batch passout and working as a general physician right now, based in Hanumangarh, Rajasthan. Still kinda new in the bigger picture maybe, but honestly—every single day in this line teaches you more than textbooks ever could. I’ve had the chance to work under some pretty respected doctors during and after my graduation, not just for the clinical part but also to see how they handle people, real people, in pain, in panic, and sometimes just confused about their own health. General medicine covers a lot, right? Like from the smallest complaints to those random, vague symptoms that no one really understands at first—those are kinda my zone now. I don’t really rush to label things, I try to spend time actually listening. Feels weird to say it but ya, I do take that part seriously. Some patients just need someone to hear the whole story instead of jumping to prescription pads after 30 seconds. Right now, my practice includes everything from managing common infections, blood pressure issues, sugar problems to more layered cases where symptoms overlap and you gotta just... piece things together. It's not glamorous all the time, but it's real. I’ve handled a bunch of seasonal disease waves too, like dengue surges and viral fevers that hit rural belts hard—Hanumangarh doesn’t get much spotlight but there’s plenty happening out here. Also, I do rely on basics—thorough history, solid clinical exam and yeah when needed, investigations. But not over-prescribing things just cz they’re there. One thing I picked up from the senior consultants I worked with—they used to say “don’t chase labs, chase the patient’s story”... stuck with me till now. Anyway, still learning every single day tbh. But I like that. Keeps me grounded and kind of obsessed with trying to get better.

19 days ago

Hey there! I’m really sorry to hear that you’re feeling this way. It sounds like you’re going through a tough time, and it’s completely okay to feel overwhelmed sometimes.
### Nail Biting and Crying
- Nail Biting: This can often be a way to cope with stress or anxiety. It’s like a habit that can be hard to break, especially when you’re feeling anxious or alone.
- Crying: It’s a natural response to feeling sad or overwhelmed. It’s important to express your feelings, but if it’s happening a lot, it might be a sign that you need some support.
### What You Can Do
1. Talk to Someone: It might help to talk to a trusted friend, family member, or a school counselor about how you’re feeling. You don’t have to go through this alone.
2. Find Healthy Outlets: Try to find activities that help you relax, like drawing, writing, or even exercising. These can be great ways to express your feelings.
3. Mindfulness and Breathing: Simple breathing exercises or mindfulness techniques can help calm your mind when you feel anxious or overwhelmed.
4. Set Small Goals: If nail biting is bothering you, set small goals to reduce it. For example, try to keep your nails trimmed or use a bitter-tasting nail polish designed to deter nail biting.
### Remember
You’re not alone in this, and it’s okay to ask for help. If you feel comfortable, consider reaching out to a mental health professional who can provide support tailored to your needs.
Thank you

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Dr. Nikhil Chauhan

I am currently working as a urologist and kidney transplant surgeon at Graphic Era Medical College & Hospital, Dehradun. It's a role that keeps me on my toes, honestly. I handle a pretty wide range of urology cases—stones, prostate issues, urinary tract obstructions, infections, you name it. Some are straightforward, others way more complex than you expect at first glance. Every patient walks in with a different story and that’s what keeps the work real for me. Kidney transplant surgery, though, that’s a whole different zone. You’re not just working on anatomy—you’re dealing with timelines, matching, medications, family dynamics, emotional pressure... and yeah, very precise coordination. I’m part of a team that manages the entire transplant process—from evaluation to surgery to post-op care. Not gonna lie, it’s intense. But seeing someone who’s been on dialysis for years finally get a new shot at life—there’s nothing really like that feeling. In the OR, I’m detail-focused. Outside of it, I try to stay accessible—patients don’t always need answers right away, sometimes they just need to feel heard. I believe in walking them through what’s going on rather than just giving reports and instructions. Especially in transplant cases, trust matters. And clear, honest conversation helps build that. Urology itself is such a misunderstood field sometimes. People ignore symptoms for years because it feels “awkward” or they think it’s not serious until it becomes unmanageable. I’ve had patients who came in late just because they were embarassed to talk about urine flow or testicular pain. That’s why I also try to make the space judgment-free—like whatever it is, we’ll figure it out. At the end of the day, whether I’m scrubbing in for surgery or doing OPD rounds, I just want to make sure what I do *actually* helps. That the effort’s not wasted. And yeah, some days are frustrating—some procedures don’t go clean, some recoveries take longer than they should—but I keep showing up, cause the work’s worth doing. Always is.

19 days ago

Bonjour mon ami.
Je lis ton message avec attention. Ce que tu vis est difficile, et c’est déjà un grand pas d’en parler. Merci pour ta confiance.
Voici ce que je comprends :
· Tu te sens seul depuis longtemps (+ de 6 mois).
· Tu pleures beaucoup.
· Tu manges tes ongles (anxiété).
· Ton emploi du temps est épuisant : école 8h–16h + révisions jusqu’à 23h (8h → 23h ?).
· Tu n’oses pas en parler.
Ce n’est pas normal de souffrir autant. Mais on peut agir.
Voici ce que je te conseille (point par point) :
· Réduis tes révisions – 15h par jour est trop. Ton cerveau a besoin de pause. Essaye 2–3h max après l’école.
· Parle à un adulte de confiance (parent, prof, médecin scolaire). Ce n’est pas une faiblesse – c’est un courage.
· Pleurs & solitude → peuvent être des signes de dépression ou anxiété sévère. Un médecin généraliste ou psychologue peut t’aider sans médicament d’abord.
· Pour les ongles :
· Met du vernis amer (en pharmacie).
· Quand tu as envie → serre une balle ou mâche un chewing-gum sans sucre.
· Chaque soir : écris 1 chose que tu as aimée dans ta journée (même petite).
· Dors au moins 7h – coucher à 23h max, réveil à 7h.
À faire cette semaine :
👉 Prends un rendez-vous avec un médecin scolaire (gratuit, anonyme). Dis-lui : « Je pleure souvent, je suis seul, je mords mes ongles depuis longtemps. »
Tu n’es pas cassé. Tu es fatigué et dépassé. Avec de l’aide, ça peut changer rapidement.
Tu mérites d’être écouté.
— Dr Nikhil Chauhan

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