Common Myths About BFRBs

There are many misunderstandings about body-focused repetitive behaviors.

These myths can make it harder to recognize what’s really going on and they can add to feelings of shame or confusion.

What People Often Get Wrong

BFRBs are not simply habits. They are complex behaviors that serve a purpose and are often difficult to stop without the right strategies and support.
Willpower alone is rarely enough. Because BFRBs often happen automatically and outside of full awareness, they can be difficult to change without the right tools and support.
BFRBs are more common than most people think. They do not reflect your character or willpower, and they do not mean something is wrong with you.
BFRBs are not the same as self-harm. While both can cause physical damage and may be linked to difficult emotions, self-harm is typically driven by a desire to cause pain, while BFRBs are driven by urges, sensory triggers, or attempts to self-soothe.
BFRBs affect people of all ages, backgrounds, and experiences. They are more common than most people realize, and anyone can struggle with them.
Even mild or less frequent behaviors can still have a meaningful impact. What matters is how it affects your life, not how severe it looks.

These behaviors are often misunderstood, but they are real, common, and treatable.

Getting accurate information is an important step toward understanding and making change.

BFRBs are not random, and they’re not a personal failing.

They are patterns that develop for understandable reasons. With the right support, they can change.

Understanding BFRBs can reduce shame and make it easier to seek support.