Pain Stimming and Harm Reduction Supports

Person using an open Calm Buddi Turtle anxiety-relief fidget toy in Cloud

What is Pain Stimming?

Pain stimming, also known as self-injurious stimming, involves repetitive behaviours that can cause physical discomfort or harm, like skin picking (dermatillomania), hair pulling (trichotillomania), nail biting, scratching, or hitting oneself. Although "stimming" is often linked with autism, anyone can experience these behaviours.

Some people use these behaviours as a way to self-regulate, finding relief from overwhelming emotions, stress, or sensory overload, even if they're temporarily harmful. Understanding why these behaviours happen and exploring safer sensory tools can help people meet their needs while reducing harm. 

Hand holding a Chain Maille picking support ball in small size by Kaiko Fidgets

Why Do People Pain Stim?

There are a few common reasons people might turn to pain stimming:

  • Emotional Regulation: Some find these behaviours help manage anxiety, stress, or boredom, providing a distraction from intense feelings.
  • Sensory Seeking: The craving for specific sensory experiences—like tactile stimulation, visual aspects, or proprioceptive input—can motivate these actions.
  • Psychological Factors: For some, pain stimming offers a sense of control in chaotic situations, aids focus, or becomes a habit.
 Spiky Sensory Finger Ring on a finger

Alternative Approaches

Instead of eliminating stimming entirely, many people explore safer ways to fulfil their sensory and emotional needs. Here are some common harm reduction strategies:

  • Identifying Patterns: Noticing when and why you engage in pain stimming can be a helpful first step.
  • Creating Barriers: Tools like gloves or bitter nail polish can interrupt automatic behaviours.
  • Exploring Safer Sensory Input: Replacing harmful behaviours with sensory tools that provide similar experiences without injury can be effective.
    Tweezers picking out stones from Stone Pick Em Stack 3-Pack Refill Picking, Popping & Hair Pulling Support Kit

How Can Fidget Toys Help?

  • Immediate Redirection: Having a stim toy on hand can offer an alternative when urges arise, potentially breaking automatic behaviours.
  • Sensory Satisfaction: Different fidgets provide various textures and movements that can fulfil sensory needs similar to stimming.
  • Habit Replacement: Regular use of fidgets can help create new habits over time, supporting a harm reduction journey.
See our range of Picking and Harm Minimisation Supports 

 

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