It is so frustrating to feel like you have a "habit to kick." If you could kick it, it wouldn't be a habit! People develop many kinds of nervous habits; nail biting is one of the most common. Others are hair twisting, foot tapping, and pen chewing (a personal favorite of mine when I was younger). A good friend of mine always had to turn around in a complete circle before entering a doorway; she is now a mother and has a career.

Whatever the habit, the purpose is to release tension and to feel calm. Many people grow out of nervous habits as they find other ways to cope with stress and tension. There's no reason to worry. But are you feeling particularly stressed right now? You said you feel there is something wrong with you, but perhaps there is just something difficult in your life that you are struggling with — not a problem with you, but a problem that you have to deal with. Pressures with grades, or applying to college, or maybe stressful stuff at home. If there is something on your mind, you could always talk to a counselor about it. Anxiety is one of the most common problems for young people, and it is one of the most responsive to counseling. That means it's easy to change.

If you are interested in finding a counselor, you could ask your doctor for a referral, or talk to the school guidance counselor. Is there a teen center in your community? That's always a good place, too. And let your parents know you're a little stressed out; they can help you figure out what's bothering you and come up with some good ways to cope.

— Kate Forest, MSW