Trichotillomania getting worse...?

Question

I've had trich since I was 10 (I'm 24). It's the worst it's ever been, I don't even notice I'm doing it. I've never been on medication and I've never tried therapy. Anybody have a story to share? I'm about to go buy a wig, I can't hide it anymore...

I just don't know what to do.

Answer 1

Hi I have trich as well.

Its extremely important to remember that this CAN be fought, don't ever lose hope.

I have never gone to a therapist or taken medication, however I have confided in a guidance counselor at school, but that didn't go over too well. I had fought this when I was younger and it ended when I was in 4th grade but came back some years later and now I have been fighting it for 4 years. For me, its my eyebrows and eyelashes which I have to cover with makeup which sucks, but I don't have many tips for hair pulling.

However, probably one of the best things I have done was finding the website: www.43things.com

There are many different groups such as "stop pulling my hair" and "*don't pull my hair for 20 consecutive days" that you can join and find many people who are fighting this as well. I post almost daily and defintely weekly in my group along with others who are fighting as well and it is motivating to have people to report to on what day you are on and how long you can go without pulling. They offer support when you fall and a ton of advice. I highly recommend you join it and you can look me up, I'm in the stop pulling my hair group and "don't pull my hair for 45 consecutive days" group. My name is fiercelyfighting on the site.

Also, recently, another great thing that has been a HUGE turning point was confiding in my best friend. I had always been scared and never talked about it with ANYBODY and had nobody to talk to. But after a horrible night I confided in her and its been the best thing because she is there for me whenever, at 4am or even if I'm just tempted and it makes me not want to pull bc i dont want to let her down.

Also, when I'm tempted I play with model magic to keep my hands busy which helps a lot bc its fun and super squishy and causes you not to pull. Not touching my hair has helped dramatically, ever time I touch my eyebrows or eyelahses with two fingers I force myself to do at least 10 pushups (sometimes 20) and I don't touch my hair nearly as much.

A lot of people try the reward system and countdown calendars or tallies on your mirror in wipeoff marker so you will see motivation before you start to pull.

I hope this helps, this CAN be fought, don't let people tell you you can't do it. you ARE strong you can end this! It doesn't have to be this way.

Answer 2

You must start noticing when you do this and then you need to have a written plan of what you are going to do instead.  I realize this is worse than just a habit but behavior modification can still work.

Answer 3

I'm sorry you are struggling with this. Maybe it's time to try a therapist - maybe someone who has experience treating anxiety disorders, someone with a cognitive-behavioral focus.

And don't be afraid to shop for therapists if you don't like the first one you go to - it's important to have a good connection.