TeenHelp - does clenching the jaw constitute self harm?

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- - does clenching the jaw constitute self harm? (http://www.teenhelp.org/forums/f12-self-harm/t153096-does-clenching-jaw-constitute-self-harm/)

~anongirl~

September 21st 2017 01:16 AM

does clenching the jaw constitute self harm?

I'm really getting nervous and I'm getting a lot of anxiety. See, I stopped self harming a while ago and I never wanted to go back.

I didnt cut for a while! I've been clean for a while now which im proud of. I kind of have a habit, though; sometimes when i feel guilty about something i clench my teeth hard. Like I'll think "Oh, why did I do that? I regret doing that" *clenches jaw*

i dont bite anything or make anything bleed. like i said im really getting anxiety over this because im hoping it doesnt count as self harm...ive been clean for so long :(

i promised my mom not to self harm ever again :( plz reply ASAP

TheAtomicBlade

September 21st 2017 01:52 AM

Re: does clenching the jaw constitute self harm?

Hey There,
I wouldn't count it as self harm. Clenching a jaw is a very very normal stress reaction. I would recommend using a stress ball instead since jaw clenching can sometimes cause unpleasant cramps in your jaw or neck and thats no fun!

Well done on staying self harm free stay strong!

hocus pocus

September 21st 2017 02:55 AM

Re: does clenching the jaw constitute self harm?

While clenching your jaw can be a normal reaction to stress, it could be self-harm. One way to look at it is that anything you do with the intention of causing harm to yourself can be considered self-harm. Do you do it with the intention of harming yourself or do you feel as though it's more of just a reaction?

If you'd like to stop clenching your jaw, maybe you could stop doing it as soon as you're aware of it. You could also develop other coping techniques, such as breathing techniques or carrying something around, like a stress ball as it has been mentioned. You could try chewing gum or sucking on mints and hard candy to see if that helps, because it is a motion in your mouth like clenching your jaw is.

DeletedAccount63

September 21st 2017 05:45 AM

Re: does clenching the jaw constitute self harm?

If it isn't done to harm yourself(like do it to the point your jaw hurts) then no I do not consider it self harm. Self-harm is doing something with the intent of harming yourself.

CorrieUSMC

September 21st 2017 08:04 AM

Re: does clenching the jaw constitute self harm?

In of itself it isn't a form of self harm as the others of stated above. But continued or prolonged could cause damage to your teeth, or jaw. As someone else said a stress ball could help or try chewing gum rather than clenching.

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