I have a form of ocd called trichotillomania which causes me to compulsively pull out my hair. although therapists have suggested several ways to try to control these compulsions none have worked for me. does anyone else experience this and have advice?
I’m unsure of your story, but if you’re experiencing hair pulling to combat the obsessive thoughts, maybe address the thoughts first? Have you tried any sort of therapy to directly address the thoughts. I know sometimes therapists will address behaviors as though they’re the primary issue. However, obsessions may be the reason for the behavior. If that’s your experience, I would recommend trying ERP (exposure response prevention). If this didn’t help, I’m sorry. I hope things get better. I know how tough these experiences are. 💔
fluffie stuffiez (search it up). I don't have this problem but reading your post made me think maybe pulling on something else can help? but maybe that would be giving into your compulsions I have no idea
A fidget that is similar but less expensive is getting cotton fabric scraps and pulling at the strands
Hey, I know this response is super late, but I hope all is well. Be encouraged! The thing about trich is that there is no cure but there is treatment. I have gone through multiple therapists and only 2 have been specialized in understanding trich. I joined a support group with people who have struggled with trich from 2 - 30 years. Though there are things we have in common each person finds a way to overcome the disorder and live full and exciting lives, with trich in the "back seat." What is helping me are fidgets, regular therapy, exercise and sleep, unpacking my emotions, and support groups. Here's a big list of fidgets that keep your hands busy: https://www.bfrb.org/post/the-great-big-list-of-favorite-fiddles
I’m having a big OCD relapse and would like to hear anyone’s tips on how to be present and healthily deal with these intrusive thoughts and the “need” to preform compulsions. Thank you!!
This list by ai gives a good summary of my symptoms. Does it resemble OCD or is it something else? 1. Compulsions (OCD-specific behaviors): • Feeling the need to flex or contract muscles an even number of times, equally on both sides of your body. • Needing to reverse actions (for example, if you roll your eyes or trace a line with your finger, you feel compelled to do it again in the exact opposite way). 2. Intrusive Thoughts (OCD-specific ruminations): • Daydreaming about people you care about getting hurt (e.g., school shooting, injury, or kidnapping). • Sometimes feeling like you might want something bad to happen to someone you find attractive—possibly because of a desire to help or save them, though it’s confusing. • These thoughts can sometimes provide a twisted sense of relief while remaining distressing and confusing. 3. Sexual Orientation OCD: • Experiencing confusion or doubt about your sexual orientation. 4. Contamination Thoughts: • Feeling like things are contaminated, especially after touching something gross. 5. Sensory Compulsions: • Feeling the need to smell your hand after touching areas like your ear or hair. 6. ADHD-like Symptoms / Additional Observations: • Fidgeting or moving your legs when standing or sitting.
I cannot get over my perfectionism ocd surrounding my hair. The color needs to be perfect without any undertone left of red or orange, or I freak out (due to past experience). I’m a natural brunette, so I dye my hair brown…. Making me have red/orange undertones. I want to get over my ocd completely and the fear I get from dying it/looking at it/constantly checking and comparing to others hair. It’s exhausting. Any tips ? I want ocd to stop taking control of my life. I want to enjoy getting my hair done and not freaking out every second over it.
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