Trichotillomania

Anyone struggling with trich? It’s something I’ve tried to dismiss for a long time and act like it’s not so bad. It’s gotten worse over the years and I’ve never had anyone to talk to about it. Would love to connect with others experiencing the same thing. For me it started in high school and has become worse over time. I tend to pull from specific parts on my scalp and can tell which parts by how short the hair is or slight balding. It usually worsens when my anxiety does. I knew it was bad when I started to notice I’m seen doing it in photos and videos. I feel like I’m doing it almost anytime I’m just sitting still or driving. If my hands aren’t busy I’m likely pulling. When living with my grandma it became a problem because she was cleaning up after me and now I’m living with my sister and worried it’s going to become an issue if they start to notice.

bruin

Date posted: 3y

Yes I struggle with my eyelashes I’m not sure what triggers it but once I start I can’t stop. I have done it since 8th grade sometimes I go months without pulling and think I’m over it and then I start it back up.

Mia Ash

Date posted: 3y

@bruin Do you feel like you know what triggers it?

ddolphin

User type: OCD Conqueror

Date posted: 1y

Hi, I also pull from my scalp only. It's the texture of my hair that is what draws me to pull my hair. If the hair is more coarse then it has more texture to it. I have certain areas that I always pull from. I try to pull from all over so it's not so obvious but definitely have spots where I focus more and my hair is shorter there. I've been trying to be more aware of where my hands are when I'm driving or watching tv. Those are the times I pull the most. It's still hard to not do it even with the self awareness. I have made a point to not always sit on certain parts of the couch that make it easier to pull and also to keep both hands on the steering wheel when I'm driving and not rest my left hand on the car door.

ddolphin

User type: OCD Conqueror

Date posted: 1y

@Anonymous Are you currently in therapy?

JB1020

Date posted: 3y

Sorry you're dealing with this. I don't pull hair but i definitely skin-pick. Keep those hands busy (stress toys, rubber band balls, fidget spinners, etc...) and try to be more aware/conscious of when you're doing it and purposely correct the behavior. You got this!

Mia Ash

Date posted: 3y

@JB1020 This is very helpful and kind. Thank you so much

trichster024

Date posted: 1y

Hi Mia, I struggle with trich too. It also started in high school for me and it’s only on my scalp that I pull from. I’m trying to find people that also deal with this to help each other and keep each other accountable but I see a lot of these posts are pretty old so not sure if you’re still on the app. Let me know so we can talk about ways to redirect our urges 💪🏻

trichster024

Date posted: 1y

@bread connoisseur Hi there! I actually deal with the same texture thing. I pull the hairs that are thicker and a bit curly too (I have straight hair also). I’ve done it for so many years now that it doesn’t even hurt anymore. I hope you don’t get to that point. So far what has been working for me though are small sensory finger rings that I keep in my pockets when I need to feel something rough instead of my textured hairs. I like them because they are small enough to hide and carry around everywhere but tbh I only pull when I’m alone. If there are people around I never get the urge because I don’t want to pull and have someone watch me. I’ve also been keeping a sticky note where I tally up how many hairs I pull and that way it keeps me accountable cuz I want to keep the numbers as low as possible.

gnatgnat

Date posted: 1y

@trichster024 Hi! I also suffer from very similar problems and i’ll try these out and i hope it helps! thank you

[Deleted]

Date posted: 3y

Comment deleted by user

Mia Ash

Date posted: 3y

I think I need to find a therapist that specializes in it. I’ve seen a therapist that suggested I purchase slime to play with when I feel an urge. But that didn’t really help and did nothing to address where the urge comes from. So I think you’re right, a specialist would be good.

Flower1004

Date posted: 25w

It’s been getting worse..

Just sorta to vent and maybe get advice… I normally struggle with OCD and other MH/ medical issues.. I’ve sorta become acclimated to the stress, pain, mind games, and constant perfectionism. I thought I had it under control but this OCD has just been creeping back in small ways over time. I’ve caught myself doing behaviors and not feeling able to stop it. (This is combo of OCD but not sure how to categorize it all) - compulsively counting body movements til it’s the right number and feeling - adjusting papers/rewritten notes numerous times - irrational thoughts of my new pup being dead when I check on her - irrational thoughts that I don’t love my partner or he doesn’t love me after almost 10 years - every plate, cup, utensil has to be properly inspected before being able to use it - food can not have day of expiration (or even close to it) or a weird look or smell = it is inedible - recent close call accident led to dread driving and constant thoughts of a crash even though I did what I could and didn’t crash The list just keeps going.. but it has simply been a struggle that has lead me to feeling self conscious, unprofessional, childish, ashamed, and crazy. It’s a hard thing to accept that this has begun to return after finding ways to cope and manage in the past. I am struggling with finding ways to cope with it all cuz it is constantly disturbing my relationship, work, and personal well being Well that’s my truth for the day

cherubb

Date posted: 24w

pulling hair

does anyone else struggle with this? specifically it is my eyebrows! i get a thought that one hair feels weird, and i’ll pull it out, but then i can’t stop because it triggers me to think another one feels weird. now, i barely have any hairs on either eyebrows. i keep trying to grow them back but it feels impossible to stop pulling the hairs sometimes. i’m excited to talk to my nocd therapist about this so i can start to regrow my eyebrows and not have this compulsion affect me so much!

Young adults with OCD

Bookgirl📚

Date posted: 17w

Hair pulling

Hey, my name is Mercy and I have a hair pulling disorder and I was wondering if anyone has some advice for stopping my habit. Thanks

Be a part of the largest OCD Community

Share your thoughts so the Community can respond

Trichotillomania

Related posts

Be a part of the largest OCD Community

Be a part of the largest OCD Community