Trichotillomania (Hair Pulling) Support Group
Impulsive control disorder is the inability to resist an urge, temptation, or impulse, even when it may cause negative effects to the self or to others. If you or a loved one suffers from impulsive contorl disorder, join the community to find support and share your challenges with others who know what you're going through.
Hi all,
I've had trich since I was young. It started with just pulling my eyelashes, but I don't do that much anymore. Instead, I pick the hairs under my arms/on my legs because I figure they are "unwanted" hairs anyway. I am getting very concerned, though, because I've also started picking the skin on my armpits and pulling out entire hair follicles. I pick until the point where they bleed. I am very concerned I am going to get some sort of infection, however, even that fear doesn't make me stop. I hate that I waste so much time pulling. If I sit down to do schoolwork or something, I'll end up wasting 30-45min picking my hairs before I even start.
Does anyone have any tips or tricks that have worked for them? My therapist I'm seeing now does not know about my hair pulling. In fact, I've been too ashamed to tell any therapist I've ever had. I just really need some advice please!
Thank you
I've had trich since I was young. It started with just pulling my eyelashes, but I don't do that much anymore. Instead, I pick the hairs under my arms/on my legs because I figure they are "unwanted" hairs anyway. I am getting very concerned, though, because I've also started picking the skin on my armpits and pulling out entire hair follicles. I pick until the point where they bleed. I am very concerned I am going to get some sort of infection, however, even that fear doesn't make me stop. I hate that I waste so much time pulling. If I sit down to do schoolwork or something, I'll end up wasting 30-45min picking my hairs before I even start.
Does anyone have any tips or tricks that have worked for them? My therapist I'm seeing now does not know about my hair pulling. In fact, I've been too ashamed to tell any therapist I've ever had. I just really need some advice please!
Thank you
Thanks for telling your story. Indeed you will get an infection, ingrown hairs or other problem down the road if not sooner.
The first thing you need to do is to be Aware of 'When' you like to engage in this ritual, 'Where' you are comfortable in doing this, 'Why' you like to do this. Being Aware of these things is key in changing the behavior. ( Take a piece of paper and write down these key things. )
Next, write down other places you can go to when you need to study, example: go to the library, a friends house, or other public place or find something you can do that is nurturing for yourself instead of performing the ritual of pulling example: take a hot bath, watch a favorite movie and invite a friend, go to a eatery and get your favorite dessert or beverage. Distraction in key in changing behavior patterns.
As far as your skin is concerned, soaking in a warm bath with epsom salts is vary healing- Get some Lavender essential oil or Tea tree oil to pat on wounds this will help heal infections.
Hugs...
Thank you so much for this advice. I just spent nearly the entire past 2 hours picking, and decided to come on here, and was so happy to see this reply. I get so frustrated and disgusted in myself when I pull, ugh.
I think the first part about being aware is really key for me. I do recognize there are certain situations which worsen my compulsions to pull. Also, the tip about going somewhere public is a really great one, as I am way too ashamed and will pull only in my own home. I also have social anxiety, though, so being out in public can cause other types of anxiety for me.
Thanks again for your great advice. As I said before, I am very ashamed of this problem, and have told very few people. It is nice to be able to come on here for support and know I'm not alone. Take care.