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,
I was wondering how many of you have this fear? I pick from my eyelashes and eyebrows and wear false eyelashes. I have always had this deep fear of being in an accident or needing surgery and being discovered that I don't have any lashes/brows. Have any of you been in this position and what did you do or what did you say? I would appreciate any imput. Thanks
I was wondering how many of you have this fear? I pick from my eyelashes and eyebrows and wear false eyelashes. I have always had this deep fear of being in an accident or needing surgery and being discovered that I don't have any lashes/brows. Have any of you been in this position and what did you do or what did you say? I would appreciate any imput. Thanks
i've always been pretty direct about explaining what trich is, and for the most part, i've always been surprised that the people i explain it to already know others with it. still, other people will never ask you about it, because they might know how personal and difficult it is. i just mention casually that i have a habit of pulling out my hair, and it's similar to how some people bite their nails (that is a more socially accepted impulse control disorder). i don't say "trichotillomania" because holy crap man, who the heck is gonna remember that... besides, it doesn't sound friendly. i do NOT go into how it's affected my whole entire life, tho - that i save for you guys!! i just leave it at a 1-2 sentence explanation and see what they might have to say about it. you shouldn't be too worried about it. the more you talk about it, the more you will learn that a lot of people have it or know people with it, and the more power you give to YOURSELF knowing that this is really not your fault at all.
I use the individual lashes. I used them in between my lashes when I had them and just got used to placing them faster. I haven't gotten the hang of the strip lashes and they just seem to look more "fake" on me.LOL
I am trying so hard to be pull-free. I have this vision of one day having my eyelashes and brows back to normal. It seems to be more of a dream then a reality.
I also have this fear of being in a car accident and people coming to see me in the hopsital and being completely shocked by what i look like without make-up. Although I have never been in this particular situation, today I went to the eye doctor and drove home crying my eyes out. I've been to this doctor before (I wear contacts) and I was just getting my annual exam and what not ,and she has never before said anything about my (lack of) eyelashes. Until today. She asked me why I have no eyelashes and I didn't reply. She asked again and asked if I pulled them out, and i took a giant gulp and said "Yes I do." And this woman went on a rant about how eyelashes are the second most important defense mechanism for our eyes, and how they keep out dust and germs, etc. I'm thinking in my head: no **** genius, you think I do this intentionally or for fun? I'm just kind of sitting there all vulnerable and what not with tears welling up in my eyes. Then, after being a completely insensitive human being, has the nerve to ask me if I've gotten any help for this problem. She kept saying "this is not a good thing and you shouldn't be doing this and you really need to stop." I really really wish lady that it was THAT easy. And I've never told ANYONE besides my parents, about trich, but today I felt so helpless and really had no other excuse. So i told her it was called Trichotillomania and I've had it for years and YES i've gotten help but there's really no cure for it and it's not that easy. So I guess after she saw that she had hurt my feelings, she tells me that she understands that I am trying and her 'heart' goes out to me..
I know that trich is not a commonly known thing and what not, but I have never felt so hurt by someone that's meant to be a professional. I felt as though she was accusing me of a crime, but not knowing all the details.
That was the worst experience I've had about someone noticing my trich. I've been so upset the whole day, then started browsing online for trich support groups. And this is what inspired me to join this site, so I'm hoping that I can meet some people that know what I'm going through.
I know this is long, sorry.. but this is the first time I've ever spoken out to anyone else with trich, so if you've read to this point, thanks :)
This is the best support group I have ever been able to find. I find it so encouraging to find people who truly understand me. It gives me an outlet to just express myself when I feel so alone with this disorder. I don't know how long you have had it, but I have been dealing with it for about 25 years. I have had good bouts and bad bouts with it. Right now it is bad. I am going through hormonal changes due to my age and I think it has a lot to do with it. For me the only one who knows is my husband. He has only been supportive in about the last 2 years. We have been married 16 years. Even my parents don't know. Eventually my 10 year old daughter will figure it out. I dread that day. I have very little to offer you in the way of making this better for you or helping you overcome it. If you read the journal section, there are some who have amazing stories of recovery. Their fight in overcoming this beast, monster, giant, whatever you want to call it, inspires me to keep trying to remain strong. I sooo understand the crying and the shame or guilt from others. I have never told my doctor for the same fear you just experienced with your eye doctor. It helps to write and pour out your feelings. It helps to cry also. Read through some of the past discussion questions for some good ideas on distracting yourself. We are all here for you. Just so you know, I have never had an eye infection or had problems with dust in my eyes that would be any different from lashes or no lashes. Hang in there. Remember, you are beautiful and we are all unique in the way God made us.