Reader wants to pinpoint trigger for tics

DEAR HARRIETTE: Since I was young, I’ve found that I’ve always had strange anxiety-induced habits — pulling at the edges of my hair, sucking my thumb, picking at scabs, etc. Over time, I’d find a solution, or I’d just sort of grow out of it. At present, I scratch the insides of my palms when I’m nervous, stressed or frustrated. I think I may do it at other times, but I haven’t pinpointed all of the triggers. Lately, it’s been out of control. I haven’t been able to resolve this one, but I’m so ready to leave it behind.