Anyone on here struggling with Trichotillomania? For those who don’t know what that long word is, it is a type of OCD that gives you the irresistible urge to pull out your own hair (from the scalp, face, or body). I have been struggling with it since I was in 8th grade. For most people with trich, pulling out hair can be a coping method for stress or anxiety. However, the disorder usually just causes more anxiety and insecurity. It is a tough case of OCD because it does not only affect you psychologically, but it can affect your psychical appearance in more extreme cases. Wow, that felt good to talk about for some reason. But anyways, if anyone who has trich, knows someone with trich, or wants to just have a conversation about it, please let me know! I’ve been dying to find someone to confide in for years- I feel embarrassed by my OCD.

I have trich the last 8 years. Sometimes is not so intensive (when i am surrounded with other people, or when I am working), but when I am alone at home i pull unconsciously from my scalp. Something that helped me is when the trigger strikes, I stop what I am doing and I focus on the urge to pull, telling myself "I am strong, I love my hair, I don't want to do any harm to them, I don't need to pull to feel better" and I take a deep breath. Is there something helpful that you are doing in order not to pull?

I struggled with this for a long time, but I’m finally at a point where the urges only bother me if I have sever panic attacks, be kind to yourself, I wore my hair up for almost two years straight so I would stop pulling, I found it helped to put a lot of effort into taking care of my hair, like making hair masks and things like that, it helped me stop pulling my hair, and instead appreciate the work I put into loving my hair, if that makes sense

Hi :) I’ve been experiencing this recently as well as dermatillomania for the first time in years (since I was little). Thanks for bringing this up! It’s so annoying; we try to relieve stress but the pulling and picking just causes more discomfort in the long run. I just got a magnet toy to keep my fingers busy, so hopefully that’ll help.

I dealt with dermatillomania for a year and it was one of the scariest things to ever happen to me. I picked at my scalp and I wouldn’t even realize I was doing it. I started cognitive behavioral therapy and it really helped!

I have had dermatillomania for most of my life. I totally understand your struggle. Even though giving in to the compulsion feels good in the moment, it always causes me a lot of grief after, especially when it’s on my face. I was lucky enough several years back to go on the medication Luvox, which helped so immensely and allowed me to get a strong foothold in therapy with a therapist that was better equipped to deal with it. I still struggle, just not nearly as bad. I understand your fight though.

Hii!!! I’m 13 been struggling since i was 9 i feel embarrassed too you are not alone ❤️

I do struggle with picking at my face and skin and it’s a big compulsion of mine I struggle with

I’ve been struggling with trich for the past 4 years. I have some small patches on my head from it, I usually switch when the bald spots get noticeable. I’m looking for the strength to stop myself when I notice what I’m doing, but it’s so difficult in the moment.