Hey. I'm sure that was embarrassing, especially since he apparently didn't know. I don't know what to tell you except that you are not alone. I don't pull that hair, but I've read on here about others that do. It's no different though, then pulling the hair on your scalp or the hair from your brows or lashes or arms....etc. Rest assured you will find support here. Good luck to you.

Thank you so much Temgirl. I feel so stupid. I shared my hair pulling with my best friend of 35 years today and she freaked out too! I guess it is not normal and I can't rationalize it any more. Take care all.

No, I guess I wouldn't classify it as "normal." But for that matter, what really is normal?! We are still normal people though. You are no differet now that they know, then before they knew. The only difference is, they know now. I wouldn't worry about it. It doesen't change the person you are, what might change is how they see you. But that's okay too. We are just people like everyone else. Some people have diabetes, some have a smoking addiction, etc. What's the difference? None of it is any better then the other. You are not stupid and you shouldn't feel that way. If you ever need any support, message me. God bless.

I am so sorry that your husband had to find out that way....I hope you are in a good marriage and that after the initial shock and disblief wears off, he will come around and be supportive to you. I wouldn't classify trich as a mental disorder and actually with all the talk the "professionals" have done on this issue, they don't know how to classify this. What if you were a compulsive gambler or a compulive eater or a compulsive shopper? Aren't these stemming from the same thing? Have faith and be strong. I hope that you do more research on the internet that will help you get a better handle on this. Just remember that people have a hard time accepting what they can't understand. Be patient with your husband and friend. Their initial reaction may just have been that they don't want to see you hurting yourself so. Help yourself to understand what you are doing and hopefully they will understand too. Just as a side note, I used to pull my pubic hair but have managed to stop doing that....can't really explain why or how. Now if I could just stop pulling the hair on my head. My prayers are with you as with everyone else on this site. Please let us know how you are doing.

womo95, thank you for the message. I am going to make an effort to not pull. My husband has come around today...he asked me to tell him when I am that anxious and he would do a yoga DVD with me. I was shocked, but so happy, he never wants to do yoga with me. I feel much better and everyone here is so kind. Bless you all.

hey there. I bet that was embarassing for you. i think trichotillomania is an anxiety disorder sometimes it might be considered part of OCD disorder as well that is a mental health illness. Try not to hate you. you didnt choose to have this condition and its not your fault. big hugs to you.