chewing

[malachy]

I'm a 15 year old and all I do is either bite my clothes which makes holes in my clothes or I pick at my socks which are all torn when I first started doing this I thought it was just nerves but now I'm doing it when I'm not even nervous and  its came to a point were I need to stop I would really pick or bite any material, what I want to know why it is I'm doing this and how do I stop?

[Question_Everything1111]

Craving to chew is from lack of iron.  Dramatically increase beef in your diet- every single day.  The days you can't, have a Flintstone Complete vitamin.  Good luck!

[Sandman2]

Please check the dates.  Most of your responses are to posts so old that they never will be read.

[Question_Everything1111]

I read them so therefore others looking up this answer on Google will too.

[specialmom]

Chewing is a well known way that people self soothe.  It's a stress reliever.  Chewing that comes from iron deficiency is related to Pica and while it happens, it looks a little different than what a lot of these posters describe.  My son chewed to center himself and focus as well as calm himself.  He has sensory issues and received occupational therapy where things to chew on were provided on a regular basis for this purpose.   **  But I do love Flinstones complete vitamins for my kids. Those are the gummy ones, right?  My boys have always had those daily.  

[specialmom]

I do think it is interesting though how iron deficiency creates this desire . . . like when chewing on ice when pregnant almost always means iron deficiency.  You have to wonder why that deficiency creates the chew urge but it does.  :>)

[RockRose]

Yes.  Chewing ice is a well-known symptom of anemia.  Who in the world knows why.

But just chewing in general is usually anxiety.  

[RockRose]

Meant to include needing to focus as well as anxiety.  I have a friend who would bring coffee stirrers to long meetings,  because it's kind of socially acceptable to chew on them in public.  She also handed out gum to her kids when they did math homework.

[RockRose]

Malachy,  chewing also focuses your brain.  So if you're in a situation where you are so bored you can't stand it,  and have to remain seated,  you might be chewing so you can stay alert.  For example,  in a class that's boring to you.

Can you bring things that are okay to chew - like plastic straws or coffee stirrers?  

[jdtm]

Chewing and picking at clothes is a sign of "nerves" (as you said).  The correct term is anxiety.  This behaviour can be a soothing or comforting behaviour and this may be the reason you continue to do this.  Have you googled phrases as "chewing and anxiety" or "how to relieve anxiety" or similar words/phrases?  Often, just knowing the reason for the chewing leads to more awareness of your behaviour and when you notice yourself chewing, you are more able to stop.  Hope this helps ..