I’ve been struggling with anxiety a lot since i was a kid and been fighting impulsive habits since forever. And the thing is, it seems that every time i overcome a habit, i seem to pick up another one. It started with biting my nails, then trichotillomania (I literally losy a whole eyebrow occasionally) and now its excessive knuckles and toes cracking. 

Im not sure if its all in my head, but it literally physically pains me. It also drains me mentally. I would spend hours unable to sleep because the crack “wasn’t satisfying enough” and even if it was, i’d have the urge to do it again, and the cycle continues. I tried wearing compressive socks and soaking my feet in warm water with magnesium flakes to try, but it doesn’t work much. 

I know that its nothing really wrong with my joints because during the day when im out and about it doesnt hurt and i rarely think of it. Its when im home or alone that i most struggle with it. 

Im hoping someone has good advice on what i can do to help with this. I dont have much trust in the mental health care system in my country so i would rather try and deal with it on my own rather than seek professional help.