Beating Trich Community Group
You mean that there is a name for IT? Im not weird? Trichotillomania, that big, long word that is the bane of our world. With knowledge and support of others we CAN break free and live without this disorder interfering with our lives. Lets keep this uplifting and supportive and give each other the encouragement the other needs to make it to that next day.
Just found this on the other site:
"One of the most common problems we come across when we decide we are ready to become pull free, is what to do with our hands. It is important to try and establish an alternative behavior to replace those times we would normally sit and pull.
So what can we do ? Well quite a lot actually. Sometimes the simplest of things work wonders. A lot of people find they pull more when watching tv or on the phone. Often these situations can't be avoided, so having something else in place helps. For example :-
~~wearing gloves
~~plasters (band aids) around your fingers
~~play with Play Doh, worry beads, pipe cleaners
~~wet your hair
~~keep the fingers moist with moisturizing lotion
~~wear a hat
When the urges are great it is a good idea to take yourself away from the situation. Distract the mind as well as your hands. eg:-
~~go for a walk, it doesn't matter where.
~~why not go and build a snowman in the winter
~~or splash in the puddles when it rains, your inner child will love it
~~do yoga, relaxation exercises.
~~take a bath with lots of bubbles, pamper yourself
~~find a new hobby, cross stitching, candle making, bracelet making. anything that keeps the hands occupied.
~~pick a subject you would like to know more about and research it on the internet
~~pick an object in the room and list 20 things it can be used for (I include the kids in this one)
~~post on the message board. Interacting with others is great therapy.
It is also important to remember that most of us will have setbacks. It doesn't make you a weak person. It is part of the learning and healing process we all have to go through. If you do slip and pull again, put it behind you. It is in the past. Forgive yourself and start afresh. Stay positive. Reward yourself for the times you do not pull, avoid punishment for the times you do.
These are just a few suggestions. They will not work for everyone, but never give up hope. If at first you don't succeed, try, try again. There are more hints and tips in the forums so pop in and have a look. Together we can stop Trich in it's tracks.
"One of the most common problems we come across when we decide we are ready to become pull free, is what to do with our hands. It is important to try and establish an alternative behavior to replace those times we would normally sit and pull.
So what can we do ? Well quite a lot actually. Sometimes the simplest of things work wonders. A lot of people find they pull more when watching tv or on the phone. Often these situations can't be avoided, so having something else in place helps. For example :-
~~wearing gloves
~~plasters (band aids) around your fingers
~~play with Play Doh, worry beads, pipe cleaners
~~wet your hair
~~keep the fingers moist with moisturizing lotion
~~wear a hat
When the urges are great it is a good idea to take yourself away from the situation. Distract the mind as well as your hands. eg:-
~~go for a walk, it doesn't matter where.
~~why not go and build a snowman in the winter
~~or splash in the puddles when it rains, your inner child will love it
~~do yoga, relaxation exercises.
~~take a bath with lots of bubbles, pamper yourself
~~find a new hobby, cross stitching, candle making, bracelet making. anything that keeps the hands occupied.
~~pick a subject you would like to know more about and research it on the internet
~~pick an object in the room and list 20 things it can be used for (I include the kids in this one)
~~post on the message board. Interacting with others is great therapy.
It is also important to remember that most of us will have setbacks. It doesn't make you a weak person. It is part of the learning and healing process we all have to go through. If you do slip and pull again, put it behind you. It is in the past. Forgive yourself and start afresh. Stay positive. Reward yourself for the times you do not pull, avoid punishment for the times you do.
These are just a few suggestions. They will not work for everyone, but never give up hope. If at first you don't succeed, try, try again. There are more hints and tips in the forums so pop in and have a look. Together we can stop Trich in it's tracks.
I have a calendar that has 4 tasks each day. One involves not pulling. The others are stupid things that I forget to do a lot like flossing my teeth. Everyday, if I accomplish a goal I get 1 point. I must earn 400 points before I allow myself to get the new stereo system I want. If I go a week free without pulling I get 5 bonus points. So if you guys need a new idea, try this one. Make a point system with goals you want to reach and award yourself!
http://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/shop/791/Developing_Processing_Supplies_Gloves.html
They are called KALT gloves and you might be able to find them at a local photographic retailer.
Buy it by the case:
http://www.buythecase.net/product/16154/silly_putty_original/?bcf=1
Putty and other stress relievers"
http://www.officeplayground.com/stressreliever.html
Glitter:
http://www.specialkidszone.com/Product_Level3.asp?ProductID=2160
I pulled two hairs and then wrote the number 2 on a post it note with black marker and left it on my desk (at work) as a reminder to myself NOT to pull. It did work which is good!
Get yourself an artists paintbrush and stroke the soft hair on it. There are some really soft ones on the market made of goat hair that really dazzle. Even the latex ones are soft, and accomplish the same purpose. I find it immensely satisfying to shorten the wood extension a little and keep one in my purse and one in my car.
The H.A.L.T. System.
Don't let yourself get too
Hungry, Angry, Lonely, or Tired.