is clipping the skin on my feet self harm?

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for 2 years i have been clipping the bottom of my foot with a nail clipper. it doesnt always hurt, cause that skin is dead it just kind of feels satisfying. i cant really stop doing it cause when i get the clipper in my hands its just something that i do. i do it sometimes when im frustrated which makes me think its some type of self harm? i really want to stop cause the day after i clip my feet hurt and the clip marks are ugly. anyone seen something similar to this?

Category: Tags: asked February 7, 2014

7 Answers

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accepted
This sounds much like anxiety. Not really self-harm. Because unless you plan on doing this, and it "makes you feel good" and releases endorphins, it sounds just like kind of a panic or obsessive compulsive reaction. The skin on your feet is thick for a reason. It cushions your feet, and absorbs shock from walking. If you clip it, the skin tentatively wears away. You should get help. It's definitely got something to do with your mental health, but I don't think its self harm. Hope this helps. Hugs.
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I recommend using a pumice stone for the hide on your feet. It keeps my feet nice and callous-free, and is painless. If there is no skin to clip, you can't sit and clip anything. (:
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If you have the intent to hurt yourself yes but if not then I don't think so
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If you have the intent to hurt yourself yes but if not then I don't think so
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I don't think it counts as self harm unless, like LuciferHynix says, you do it with the intent to cause pain. From the way you say you "cant really stop doing it cause when i get the clipper in my hands its just something that i do" sounds like something anxiety based.
Like Jonathan and Hope suggest maybe try using a pumice stone and lotion instead. I'd also recommend trying to find another, possibly constructive, outlet for your frustration. If that doesn't help, or you don't stop clipping even without anything to clip, maybe try talking to a counselor.
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It isn't self harm. Self harm is used to release physical pain, to block the mental pain. It just sounds like you're a bit obsessive or self conscious with the skin on your feet
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I do this myself and for me it's not self harm. I agree with the intent comment. But I've never thought that it might be linked to my anxiety. Ever since I was a kid if you put something in my hands I'd pick it apart, tear it, fold it. It's not a serious thing it's just a nervous habit. With my feet they were rough and I just had a really big urge for them to be smooth and trimming the dead skin with nail clippers was calming. So in the end I guess it is a way I deal with anxiety, but for me it's not harmful at all so I'm fine with it? Afterwards I do get a little upset at how it looks and feels because it does end up feeling sensitive and the clipper marks aren't smooth. It really depends on why you're cutting the skin off I guess. If you want to stop you could try distracting yourself with something else. An activity, an object, whatever feels best to you.