Depression Support Group
Depression is a real and debilitating condition that is often misunderstood by family and friends. Its meaning can range from a prolonged period of sadness to an actual mental illness with specific symptoms. Find and share experiences with others who are going through the same struggles.
I dont know if this is depression but i pull my hair a lot. Sometimes when im angry or sad i pull my hair and i instantly feel better. Sometimes i just pull my hair without even realising it. And when i'm unable to answer a question from my homeworks i would also pull my hair. Everytime after showering i would look myself in the mirror and i would see how thin my hair had become. I hate it. Sometimes i had to cover the bald spots on my scalp whenever i had to go to school or stepping anywhere outside my house.i hate myself for pulling my own hair and sometimes i would cry for no reason at all. I would feel a pain in my chest and i would start crying. Sometimes i have no idea why am i crying. Like i've said before i usually pull my hair when im sad just to feel better. Sometimes i really hate hate and hate myself. I dont feel beautiful or sexy. I just feel ugly and useless everytime i looke at myself in the mirror. Is there anyone who has the same feelings as me? I really do hope so because i dont wanna be alone in this.
Here's some information from webmd.
https://www.webmd.com/anxiety-panic/guide/trichotillomania#1
And there's a group just for it on DS.
https://www.dailystrength.org/group/trichotillomania-hair-pulling
It's actually more related to anxiety than to depression and it has some elements of habit mixed in. BUT...it's much more than just your average habit. So, don't beat yourself up about having a hard time dealing with it. Okay? Because that's first. Deep breath. You're NOT alone.
If you want to try to break the habit part of it (this might be a 10% chance), you can try to force yourself not to do it for 6-8 weeks. Rubber bands or bracelets on your wrists, shuffle cards, stress balls, holding ice or a wet washcloth, etc. IF you try...and aren't getting anywhere in 3-4 weeks (no matter how consistently you try)...don't keep torturing yourself with it.
Otherwise, go see your doctor. They'll most likely give you some medication short term for anxiety, and/or specific therapy to deal with it.
Again...you're NOT alone. Lots and lots and lots of people do it. Some get better on their own, more get better with a bit of help, a few have issues for a long time.
Don't let those stories scare you...you're dealing with this EARLY there's no reason to think that you won't be a success story. (My son get better with a combination of reducing the stress in his life, helping him learn other ways to deal with stress, and a bit of self awareness.)
Patti
i have read that there are illnesses that can be helped w/medication that can make us cry or laugh and yes, pull our hair. a neurologist may be of help to you.
i know this is very different than a dr or therapist who will also be of great help - but a neuro is worth seeing too.
the most gentle of hugs xo
there are reasons for this, you are not alone with it, you have all of us who care and want to listen and talk with you, k?
i know too, i remember coming here and feeling absolutely terified to post.
you did it! you chose yourself - you took action on your own behalf when you did that.
that is what you did.
you were your very own knight in shining armour :O)
so cool, you are, i mean. it is very very cool to do what you have done here. i got to tell you, i'm so proud of you for being big time brave, courageous, and talking to us. you now have many people who truly care, accept and understand too. we do. we 'get' it.
you've got us and we won't let go. xo