Hi. I suffer from trichotillomania- it's sort of a form of OCD usually caused by stress and in my case, a kind of side-effect of my depression. Trichotillomania is where the term "pulling my hair out" (as in "i was so stressed i was pullin my hair out at work today"- sorta... lol...). but anyways- apparently a lil under 8 million ppl in the US suffer from this embarrassing and stressful disorder. Does anyone else out here have it? and if so, do u have any advice on how to stop? i hate having it- my bald patches aren't really that bad but i'm definitely afraid they'll get worse. i don't have the time or money to get professional help, so does anyone have any good advice? and plz remeber i am here to get advice not hear any mean or harsh criticizing from ppl. i really would appreciate sincere help here.... thanx...
2006-10-11 16:04:10 · 5 answers · asked by ♥_mrs.smith 4 in Health ➔ Women's Health
I've been a sufferer for the last 30 years. In high school it was really bad and I pulled until I was about 28 years old. I tried therapy, but it was not known about until pretty recently. I stopped on my own with my own willpower (also, the hair that I have left is really long and I can keep it up) It's like any other OCD, you have to substitute one obsession with another. I'd be happy to talk with you more, e-mail me sometime. You can do it, babe, I have faith in you!
2006-10-11 16:12:43 · answer #1 · answered by b_friskey 6 · 3⤊ 0⤋
Well if you haven't heard of TLC (the Trichotillomania Learning Center) definitely check it out and join if you can. Meditation, accupressure, and anti-anxiety medicines have helped me over the years. Joining or starting a local support group is great. Also there are many online support groups like on yahoogroups.com. The best advice is to believe that you DO have ultimate control and if you believe that, you can stop. I'm not telling you to "just stop" cause it's not that simple of course, but if you are in the right place mentally with the right tools, you do have a choice on whether you want to let trich control you.
2006-10-12 18:19:20 · answer #2 · answered by Rainbocarnage 2 · 4⤊ 1⤋
OK, besides seeing a doctor and getting some medication (like an SSRI) you could maybe try picking at something else instead. For instance, a sweater with a lot of pill, and maybe you could pick off all the little balls on it. Or maybe you can try doodling on paper. Just try to find something else to do with your hands. Wear your hair back in a ponytail. Or wear a hat. Hope this helps.
2006-10-11 23:11:28 · answer #3 · answered by kamischi 2 · 2⤊ 1⤋
I went to nursing school with a woman who has had it for years. The best thing is to just be honest about it with people, it is nothing to be ashamed of. There are probably medications that can be used to treat it, just ask your family doctor.
2006-10-11 23:07:30 · answer #4 · answered by mlk_lpn 1 · 0⤊ 3⤋
have you ever tried just breathing and closing your eyes, telling yourself to relax, whenever you get the urge?
2006-10-11 23:06:27 · answer #5 · answered by marydazetwentyone 3 · 0⤊ 5⤋