hi cat,
my anxiety goes back to childhood as well! i used to cry in the morning before i even got out of bed! just hearing the birds singing as the sun came up would make me cry. i have never understood it.
i also have my own version of scratching. my psychiatrist said i have a hyperactive brain and to just stop doing it. i pick at scabs on my scalp all day every day! sometimes it really hurts but i keep doing it and wonder if it's ocd or a strange form of cutting.......i've been doing this since childhood as well. i must have a million scars on my scalp. if i ever have cancer and take chemo and my hair falls out, the whole world will know!!!!!! yikes!