Why I chew the inside of my cheeks, Stimming

A comment I’ve heard from friends questioning whether they have ADHD is that they don’t fidget. I thought the same of myself when I was diagnosed until I learned about stimming. I read an interesting article, Stimming and ADHD: Examples, Triggers, and Management Understanding self-stimulatory behavior in attention deficit disorders, by Michelle Pugle.

One common behavior among individuals with ADHD is stimming, which refers to repetitive, self-stimulatory behaviors that help regulate the nervous system.

Stimming behaviors can take many forms, including tapping fingers, bouncing legs, pacing, and twirling hair. These behaviors can be soothing and calming for people with ADHD and can help them focus better. However, they can also be disruptive to others, leading to social stigma and misunderstandings.

It's important to understand that stimming is not a choice or a bad habit; it's a coping mechanism that individuals with ADHD use to manage their symptoms.

Here are some examples and types of stimming.

Visual: "Zoning out," spinning objects like coins or fidget toys, pacing, doodling

Verbal or auditory: Giggling, singing, making repetitive sounds, excessive throat clearing

Touch (tactile): Nail biting, scratching, hair pulling or twirling, chewing the inside of the cheeks, teeth grinding, rubbing fingers

Vestibular (balance-based): Rocking, spinning, shaking the head

Stimming is not a choice or a bad habit; it's a coping mechanism.

I do three things that I believe fit; I chew the inside of my mouth, which I’ve been trying to stop for years and couldn’t. I rub my soft t-shirt as I’m wearing it, this sounds odd, but you would probably never notice I’m doing it. Lastly, I grind my teeth when I sleep, but luckily I’ve addressed this by using a CPAP machine for sleep apnea.

Stimming is a common behavior among individuals with ADHD that can help regulate the nervous system. By identifying triggers, seeking support, creating a calming environment, using fidget toys, and practicing mindfulness, individuals with ADHD can learn to manage their stimming behaviors and improve their quality of life.

As the article states, “Stimming doesn’t necessarily mean you or your loved one has ADHD, or even that changes are needed if there is a diagnosis. But if you are worried about stimming behaviors, reach out to your healthcare provider or a mental health professional.”

How about you? Do you stim?