Nail-biting, procrastination, and avoidance are often labeled as detrimental habits, yet new insights from psychologist Dr. Charlie Heroot-Maitland suggest they may serve as survival strategies. In his book, “Controlled Explosions in Mental Health,” he explores the underlying thought patterns that contribute to these behaviors, arguing they may have historically protected individuals in uncertain environments.
During a recent discussion on The Will Cain Show, Dr. Heroot-Maitland stated, “Our brain is a survival machine. It is programmed not to optimize our happiness and well-being, but to keep us alive.” This perspective aligns with research indicating that throughout human history, unexpected threats could be fatal. The brain tends to prefer predictable pain over the risk of an unpredictable threat, leading individuals to engage in what may appear as self-sabotaging behaviors.
Dr. Heroot-Maitland explains that in situations of uncertainty, the brain often chooses smaller, self-destructive actions as a way to mitigate the fear of larger risks. For instance, procrastination, while creating stress, can also act as a buffer against the fear of failure or judgment. He notes, “The brain uses these small harms as a protective dose to prevent further harms.”
Understanding Self-Sabotage through a New Lens
The central argument of Heroot-Maitland’s work is that behaviors typically viewed as self-sabotaging might actually be attempts by the brain to exert control over discomfort. Thea Gallagher, a psychologist and director of wellness programs at NYU Langone Health, emphasized that in contemporary society, emotional threats—such as rejection, shame, and anxiety—can trigger the same survival mechanisms as physical dangers.
“Our brains have evolved to favor perceiving threat, even when there isn’t one, in order to elicit a protective response in us,” Dr. Heroot-Maitland added. This perspective suggests that actions such as nail-biting and avoidance may function as coping strategies in the face of perceived dangers.
While the insights presented in “Controlled Explosions in Mental Health” are compelling, Gallagher pointed out that the book primarily relies on clinical insights rather than empirical research. “That doesn’t make it wrong, but it means the claims are more interpretive than scientific,” she noted, suggesting that further data is needed to unpack the underlying mechanisms of these behaviors.
Addressing the Root Causes of Behavioral Patterns
Gallagher cautioned that external factors—such as ADHD, trauma, chronic stress, and socioeconomic pressures—also significantly influence these behaviors. To foster long-term improvements, she advocates for creating a sense of safety, observing behavioral patterns with curiosity, and gradually acclimatizing to uncertainty rather than resisting or accommodating these habits.
Instead of viewing procrastination or nail-biting as flaws, Gallagher encourages individuals to appreciate their protective roles. “I encourage my patients to think about short-term pain for long-term gain,” she advised. This approach helps individuals avoid falling into longer-term patterns that may lead to distress.
Dr. Heroot-Maitland emphasized the importance of personal agency in managing potentially harmful habits. “We don’t want to fight these behaviors, but nor do we want to appease them and let them carry on controlling, dictating, and sabotaging our lives,” he stated.
Gallagher provided practical tips for those recognizing these patterns in their lives:
1. **Shift from self-judgment to self-compassion**: Focus on understanding the function of the behavior rather than criticizing it. Recognizing its purpose can help reduce shame and facilitate change.
2. **Notice patterns without fighting them**: Observing behaviors with curiosity can diminish the automatic threat response.
3. **Build a sense of safety**: This can involve establishing predictable routines, nurturing supportive relationships, and employing self-soothing techniques.
4. **Practice small, low-stakes exposure to feared situations**: Gradually introducing controlled uncertainties can help retrain the brain’s response to fear.
As research continues to evolve, understanding the complex relationship between seemingly negative behaviors and their protective functions may offer new avenues for personal growth and mental health improvement.
