Is there some sort of school counselor or therapist or even a pastor/rabbi that you and your parents can sit down with, and you can explain how you feel and what your needs are? You probably are asking for "attention," but what this really means is that you need help and someone who understands you. You have nothing to be ashamed of. Everyone needs to feel accepted and understood. You have just as much of a right to carve your niche in the world as anyone else. With the proper skill set, you can feel better about yourself and look back on what you are going through now as an important learning experience. I pray that you find the help you need.

Hey you are not alone! I have trichotillomania as well I am a sophomore in high school and I recently shaved my head because I wanted to be real eases the burden of having major bald spots on top of my head, but that was not the case my. My aunt went out and bought me a wig. I went back to school feeling ashamed and embarrassed. People started calling me "wig kid" instead of my name. I now feel really depressed but I cannot let that be the cause to start pulling again. I just want you to know that you are not alone and if you ever need someone to talk to you can talk to me. <3

sweetcaroline98
You sound like such a tender heart. First let me reassure you, the world would NOT be happier if you died. Unfortunately, sometimes when people don’t understand what we are going through they don’t know how to respond and may react negatively. I’m sorry for the negative impact your parent’s reactions have made on you but take heart! I’m sure your parents want to help. They just might not know how to. Maybe it would be helpful having a third party get involved that could speak to both you and your parents. It could help them better understand you and what you’re going through, and it could also help you to understand why they reacted the way they did.

Hello my dear. I know if you are picking, pulling hair, self harm, eating disorders, OCD..........it is all part of the same family. You need to find support my dear. Parents can fly into emotional states when they witness their child hurt herself. I am a parent of 2 young men and I thought it was my job to protect them from any or all harm so if they see harm coming to you, it sets off lots of issues THEY have in their desire to see you healthy and happy. If you have a doctor you like and trust, please make an appointment to see your doctor today and let him or her know how your hair pulling/picking relaxes you and you are not in control of this. It controls you and the feeling of relief you experience after indulging is addictive. You are young and that makes all of the difference in the world. Catching these things early is the key to recovery and I know you do not want to harm yourself. It is just a illness that needs your respect and attention. Please find a doctor, teacher, parent or counselor who you KNOW will support you with love and kindness