Imagine this: you’re sitting on the couch, engrossed in a movie, when suddenly you feel a gentle vibration on your wrist. It’s not a text notification, but a subtle reminder that you may have unconsciously started pulling your hair, picking your skin, or biting your nails. This “a-ha!” moment, made possible by the Keen2 bracelet from HabitAware, is helping individuals manage their body-focused repetitive behaviors (BFRBs) in new ways.
For Aneela Idnani, the founder of HabitAware, the journey towards creating Keen2 was deeply personal. After years of silently struggling with trichotillomania, a hair-pulling disorder, she faced the frustration and shame that can accompany BFRBs. However, a moment of compassionate understanding from her husband sparked an idea: what if technology could offer the gentle awareness needed to interrupt these subconscious behaviors?
From Personal Struggle to Thoughtful Solution
Aneela and her husband, Sameer, channeled their experience and determination into developing Keen2, a smart bracelet designed to help individuals manage their BFRBs. This sleek, discreet device, resembling a typical activity tracker, uses sensors to detect the unique hand movements associated with hair pulling, skin picking, and nail biting. When these movements are detected, the bracelet provides a gentle vibration, bringing the behavior into conscious awareness and giving the wearer an opportunity to refocus.
More Than Just a Bracelet: A Holistic Approach to BFRB Management
HabitAware recognizes that addressing BFRBs requires more than just awareness. That’s why they’ve created a comprehensive system of support, including:
Personalized Training: The Keen2 app guides you through an easy setup process, ensuring the bracelet can accurately recognize your individual BFRB movements.
Educational Resources: Learn about the science behind BFRBs and discover strategies for managing them through engaging e-courses and a comprehensive workbook.
Data-Driven Insights: Track your progress, recognize patterns and triggers, and deepen your understanding of your behaviors through the app’s intuitive dashboard.
Supportive Community: Connect with others who understand your struggles, share experiences, and find encouragement through HabitAware’s online community and peer coaching program.
HabitAware: A Source of Support and Empowerment
HabitAware is more than just a company; it’s a movement driven by compassion, innovation, and a deep understanding of the challenges faced by individuals managing BFRBs. Their commitment to offering holistic support, building community, and empowering individuals to take charge of their well-being sets them apart in the mental health tech space.
With Keen2 and its accompanying resources, HabitAware is changing the way BFRBs are managed. They provide a thoughtful combination of technology, education, and community support, offering a path toward increased awareness, self-compassion, and meaningful progress.
If you or someone you love is dealing with a BFRB, know that you are not alone. HabitAware is here to offer tools and guidance that may help you break free from the cycle of subconscious behaviors and embrace a life grounded in awareness, self-love, and empowerment.
Disclaimer: The information provided in this article is for educational and informational purposes only and is not intended as a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. The products are designed to assist in increasing awareness of body-focused repetitive behaviors (BFRBs) but should not replace medical or therapeutic interventions. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified healthcare provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition.
Published by Joseph T.
