Comments on: The Thumb-Sucker

By: Michelle Ivy Harris

Michelle Ivy Harris — Thu, 18 Jun 2026 22:06:05 +0000

I tried to stop sucking my thumb but it left me constantly on edge even after a year of not doing it. I’ve been told as adult my parents parental rights should’ve been taken by the courts when I was still a toddler with how bad things were not to mention how bad they got. Luckily I found another autistic partner. She has helped me cope with it. In fact when things are really bad she will have me suck her thumb. The wave of relief and calm I feel is instant. I will have had no idea how much physical pain I was in. It feels like someone dumped a bucket of cold water over my brain on a hot summers day. We both have CPTSD and autism. We have our deep method of non verbal communication. We don’t have to use our words to talk to each other. Which is helpful on bad days. My parents upon finding out tried to admonish me about encouraging such behavior. I went no contact on them for 7 months including over the Christmas holidays. To all who read this. There is hope you can find someone who understands and appreciates you for you out there. It took me 38 years but I did it. The bitters and the oil never worked on me either or the constantly being watched and being punished everytime physically.

By: Anna Langeberg

Anna Langeberg — Wed, 22 May 2024 00:49:39 +0000

I was a thumb sucker until I was in my fifties. I was neglected as an infant and my mentally challenged 10 year old brother was taught by my grandmother how to give me a bottle of formula. I was fortunate to have him in my life, although I wouldn’t know it until I was in my thirties. My brother’s neglect caused him permanent brain damage at 3 years old as he was starved almost to death. He was a transient person all of his adult life.
Thumb sucking brought great comfort to me. I too was exposed to name calling, as my thumb was often in my mouth at school or walking on the playground or anywhere for that matter. I also twirled my hair at the same time.
Now at 70, I’m just learning how the physical, mental and emotional abuse for the first 15 years of my life has affected my brain functionality and emotional well being. My father was in the Navy until I was five. He died when I was 8. My mother died when I was 15.
Those of us who survived childhood trauma found coping mechanisms to save our lives. I hope survivors will be gentle with themselves as they recognize the impact of what they lived through. Bless you all.

By: HLM

HLM — Mon, 06 Nov 2023 00:51:38 +0000

In reply to Magnolia Powers.

Actually, depending on several factors, some may consider it attractive. I know this is hard to believe and may even be offensive on several levels but, fact is, my supposition is, indeed, true.
http://www.thumbsuckingadults.com

By: Diane Lien

Diane Lien — Thu, 03 Jun 2021 09:10:11 +0000

Wow, so glad I asked Siri about this topic, I have dealt with toxic shame unknowingly until now. So thankful to identify what has been a devastating life for me being a thumb sucker.
Always isolated from others and felt the need to hide from this painful habit. Never wanted to accept that this was an okay behavior and not a need to live sadly as I have been for all my life. Not much left now but hoping for some enjoyment at age 63 after facing this and probably doing EMDR. If needed. No money for this, but maybe it would help. .

By: Magnolia Powers

Magnolia Powers — Tue, 01 Jun 2021 11:23:27 +0000

I sucked my thumb and still do. My mother didn’t have chilli oil but she had this other substance. She would paint on my finger that was incredibly bitter. I also have autism so it was hard for me to process. My whole family would laugh and tease me about my thumb sucking. My mother would use a wooden spoon on me if she caught me. My father at one point threw away my security blanket and then got mad at me for sucking my thumb more. I know it’s not mature, I know it’s not attractive but it brings me calm more than anything else.

By: Lou

Lou — Wed, 24 Mar 2021 15:21:07 +0000

Reading your blogs gives me hope. My “comfort” was nail biting as my mother dragged me off to the doctor because I chewed my nails and I was nuts at 9 years old. Watching the skin around my nails peel and tear down to the knuckles actually got her attention. Negative attention was better than none, I suppose. You do make me think. Thank you!