Hi, I pick the skin around my fingernails. I used to do it only a little while I was at uni (probably because I was studying a health degree and so often needed to use hand sanitiser, which stings far too much if you have any little exposed areas where the skin has been picked), but once I graduated and started full time work it really kicked up – so I’m pretty sure it is stress related.
One thing I have found helpful sometimes is using a fidget object, so that my hands can be busy and have an outlet during times when I am most prone to picking (e.g. during work meetings, listening to presentations, watching TV – so when I am bored or socially anxious!). I have used a fidget cube which I found helpful – each side is slightly different so you can get a variety of sensory stimulations (e.g. rough, smooth, moving, not moving, rotating, clicking). I have also liked using a fidget object one similar to this: https://intothewind.com/osm-fidget-black-white.html as it has a nice repetitive motion to it.
I have considered seeking psych support to manage it but I think I will wait. It tends to come in ebbs and flows, so sometimes I will spend 20 mins picking at my fingers until they bleed and not even notice, and other times I will have a good week where I won’t really pick much at all. But I am aware of my triggers, so when I know I’ll be heading into a meeting or a movie where I’m feeling a little anxious or “on edge”, I bring a fidget object to keep my hands busy. I work with paediatric occupational therapists and they sometimes like to get my feedback on different types of fidget objects in their equipment stock!