An Unconventional Take on Trichotillomania

I have absorbed countless articles, posts, and videos about trichotillomania (compulsive hair pulling) over the years, and most of them aggravate and concern me. After having trichotillomania for 13 years, I am finally standing up to this disorder and resisting urges. In the process, I have become awakened to the fact that what I’ve been reading for years has been reinforcing my pulling. I hope to offer a fresh take on trichotillomania and challenge beliefs you may have. If I’m lucky, this article might spark a much-needed conversation. I have been pulling my hair since I was 12 years old. I am currently 25. I’ve been without eyelashes since age 15 and have been meticulously gluing on false eyelashes every day for the past 7 years. I draw on my eyebrows every day despite being months pull-free. Half of my eyebrows have refused to grow back. I started pulling my head hair 3 years ago. I have been completely bald, worn a wig for months, shaved my head every 2 weeks, worn headbands and head wraps, and painted powder on my head. I have had pulling trances that lasted 4 ½ hours long. I have gouged into my legs to dig out hairs. I have thrown out tweezers only to buy them again. I have crafted my own tools to pull. I have been pulling and picking for half my life and I am absolutely exhausted. But for the first time, I am getting better. I have not pulled my eyebrows in months. My head hair pulling is in remission. I currently have short thick hair with one unnoticeable thi...
Source: Psych Central - Category: Psychiatry Authors: Tags: Anxiety Motivation and Inspiration Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder Personal Stories anxious thoughts excoriation hair pulling Healing Obsessions panic picking Remission Self Harm self-compassion trichotillomania Source Type: news