When i was younger i suffered physical abuse from my step dad. Shortly after i started to develope signs of anxiety and depression and i started pulling apart damaged strands of my hair compulsively. Its been several years since that stuff started and ive been on meds for anxiety, depression, and ocd. I do better when im on my meds with everything except the hair pulling! it takes up so much of my time and i can't stop! Do you think the abuse led to my depression and anxiety and the hair pulling? And how do i stop?! Plz help!
2007-12-03 00:12:09 · 20 answers · asked by wishshoeswerehere 1 in Health ➔ Mental Health
until you stop focusing on the abuse you can use it as the blame/cause for anything instead of being a victim focus on the positive and become a survivior
2007-12-03 00:15:36 · answer #1 · answered by brilliantwash 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
One method used to stop this kind of OCD involving the use of the hands is to use the hands in some way to keep them busy. If your hands are busy, you can't do the pulling. For example, if you are knitting, crocheting, doing needlepoint, your hands are holding the craftwork and needle or hook. Also when you are home, you could try COVERING your hair completely. Wear gloves to bed.
I am so sorry you were abused but keep reminding yourself that is all in the past and now you have a chance to become anything you want if you're willing to work for it. Dream big! And God bless.
2007-12-03 08:28:28 · answer #2 · answered by missingora 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Maybe your past makes you depressed so focus on the future and be happy today !
Book a ticket now on the next boat leaving the UK.
Go for a day trip abroad. Sleep on the boat.
Drink in the bar, dance, be happy and celebrate your freedom !
Explore France, or Ireland, or Norway, or the Netherlands the next day, call in sick to work, you can buy a phone card at the port of arrival.
Then return on the boat and goto work as normal the day after tomorrow.
Unless you find a job tomorrow in you new country then you could stay there.
LEAVE THE PAST BEHIND !
Thats my advice, don't suffer pain from your past and make a new happier future for yourself !
Thats what i did, works for me, why not give it a go ?
Good luck and don't miss the boat !
2007-12-03 08:51:41 · answer #3 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
A habit like that is difficult to break. [and you have my deepest condolences for the suffering you've endured. most men are NOT like your step dad].
They say it takes 21 days to establish a habit, and 21 days to stop one. If you can focus on not pulling for 21 days, you're home free. Can you substitute the pulling for something else? Chewing gum, whistling..........something non-destructive.
With the list of meds you gave, you are apparently getting professional help, and that is good. Counseling might also be able to help you overcome this habit. Best of luck.
2007-12-03 08:18:56 · answer #4 · answered by Richard F 6 · 1⤊ 0⤋
I'm sure the abuse led to this disorder. I think (I'm no doctor) the hair pulling is caused by your desire to get back at your step father. You can't get back at him so you cause distress to yourself. Have you talked to him and told him how you feel about this abuse? I don't know if your still at home or out on your own. I think once you transfer this pain to the one who caused it you 'll have better luck stopping the hair pulling/splitting. God bless.
2007-12-03 08:22:51 · answer #5 · answered by Watching in Westminster 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
You mentioned that you are on medication, but are you currently seeing a therapist or counselor? I think that you being on the medication is wonderful, and I am glad that it is helping you! However, I do think that all of your problems stem from the abuse, as well as the way you view yourself now. Talking with a counselor to determine what triggers you to do the hair thing would help you. A therapist can help determine why you do it and help you stop...good luck honey!
2007-12-03 08:17:22 · answer #6 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
That could have played a role...but now that you are older you do not have to live with that pain...find something POSITIVE to replace the hair pulling when you feel the need to do that (not sure about how your time is, work,school.etc. hours are during the day) but i have found that exercising is a very good outlet for things that goes on in our lives...find something that you really enjoy doing and stop letting this get you down girly...u are in my prayers!!
2007-12-03 08:20:59 · answer #7 · answered by LadyMay 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I am sorry to hear about your abuse as a child, I am sure that this is a major contribution to your depression and anxiety. Mabe if you discuss this with your DR., he can make some small adjustments to your meds, and this will help you?
2007-12-03 08:18:01 · answer #8 · answered by southernvixin00 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Like most compulsions, it's a failed attempt to take your mind off of stress. Replace it with a way to reduce stress that works. Self hypnosis, biofeedback, meditation, art therapy, diary writing, all might be a good way to go.
2007-12-03 08:48:20 · answer #9 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
Absoloutely, what happend to you as a child could have resulted in your habits today. Couselling would be very helpful to help you deal with emotions... I would highly recommend massage therapy of some kind. Shiatsu may be VERY beneficial to you. Good luck.
2007-12-03 10:05:58 · answer #10 · answered by Space Chicken 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋