Keen2 is a smart bracelet designed for people with body-focused repetitive behaviors (BFRBs). Keen2 detects when the wearer does one of these behaviors, including hair pulling (Trichotillomania), skin picking (Dermatillomania), nail biting (onychophagia), and other behaviors where the wrist raises above the shoulders on the wearer, like thumb sucking and nose picking. When the Keen2 detects one of these behaviors, it gently vibrates, alerting the user that their hands are not where they want them to be, because their nervous system is trying to self-soothe. The vibration then acts as a prompt for the wearer to choose a healthier self-soothing behavior to meet the urge in a way that they won’t regret.
For people with body-focused repetitive behaviors, there is so much shame involved in the condition. It’s a cycle. The body wants to self-soothe, inevitably, because everyone needs to self-soothe. For people with BFRBs, their BFRB is their most effective self-soothing tool. Then, after it’s done, they regret their behavior for many reasons. The physical damage like scabs and bald spots, the social stigma they receive for the behavior, and the internalized belief that they cannot control their hands. It’s an overwhelming feeling. The quickest way to neutralize that feeling is their BFRB.
One comment that we hear a lot from people who learn about Keen2 is this: “I wish it shocked me. I wouldn’t stop unless it shocked me.” There is an idea that to stop the behavior, you must be punished for it.
I offer you this thought: Haven’t you punished yourself enough? Through self-deprecation, through horrible thoughts, and wishing it away? When have any of those punishments actually worked?
At HabitAware, we don’t believe that punishment is the best tool for behavior change.
Imagine that you’re learning to play baseball. You get up there, ready to swing, and you strike out. Once. Twice. Three times. You’re feeling a little down, you walk off the home plate and your teammates jeer at you, calling you names, making fun of you.
Do you want to get back out there and try again? NO!
Now imagine they say “Hey good try! You’ll get it next time. Let’s practice our form together.” Your coach comes up to pat you on the back, and gives a few pointers. Next time, hold the bat a little lower. You’ve been given encouragement, and through it, a little bit of instruction.
Doesn’t that feel so much better?
Wouldn’t it feel so much better to imagine the next year motivating yourself and finding encouragement through a community to manage your BFRB, than the next year being full of self-hatred and saying mean things to your reflection?
That’s why Keen2 vibrates, and does not shock you. It’s your “hug on the wrist,” your helpful reminder that even though you slipped a bit, it doesn’t have to spiral into a full-blown episode. Keen2 reminds you that your body is trying to self-soothe, and that there are healthier ways to do it. It’s trying to tell you to take care of yourself.
Want to give it a try? We offer a 90-day guarantee on Keen2. If you don’t like it, or feel like it’s not working for you, you have 90 days to return it. That’s more than enough time to charge it, get a FREE training call with one of our Peer Coaches, and give Keen2 a try.
If you feel like you need a little more motivation, and are stuck in the cycle of self-loathing, we hear you. BFRBs are so difficult to manage because of that cycle. We offer Virtual Peer Coaching, with someone who has BEEN THERE, to help motivate and guide you.
We also run an online community full of peers who are also working on managing their BFRBs, called the BFRB Change Collective. On the collective we do challenges together, we meet over zoom and chat, we share inspiration and resources, and we encourage each other in a place where everyone understands the struggle.
Remember that you are not alone, and you are worthy of love and respect. From everyone else, and from yourself.
Wishing you Love, Strength, and Awareness,
Aneela & Team HabitAware.
