Trichotillomania (Hair Pulling) Support Group
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I started ripping my own hair out in August when I started University. At first it wasnt a big deal. it was just one strand at a time, and I would always feel for the crimped ones or loose strand and just tug them out, I also like feeling the follicle It has been restricted to one part of my head (forward on top). Well now its really worrying me because I cant stop. There is so much hair all over it is scary and its becoming noticeable now whats missing. But I dont even know it is happening I could be doing homework and 2 hours later there is hair all over the floor. I try to tell myself no but without me noticing my hand is back at my head. I try keeping my hair tightly wrapped in a bun but that doesnt even stop it. Tips for hiding it since it is right at the hairline would be appreciated and of course ways to stop the pulling. I know its only been 5 months and I dont really know what trichotillomania is but its the best answer I could find..... Thank you, very much.
whenever i am working on school work or something that is stressful and i am alone i wear a beanie and put all my hair inside it usually in a bun. I will pull it down over my forehead so there is absolutely no hair out to pull. Next i will usually have a stress ball in one hand. I don't know if it is for you, but i like being able to fiddle with something. Another idea, which i have been doing every day is taping or using band-aids on my fingers. obviously i could still pull my hair if i really tried, but the band-aids or tape serve more as a reminder not to pull than a full proof way not to. I hope this helps.
You can try to grab some eyebrow filler and fill in any spots you feel are noticeable. It helps to have make-up actually. I'm a facial hair puller, and having to fill in my brows helps me to not pull in public. It reminds me "Oh, I have make-up and I'll mess it up!" And it has actually helped me to keep my hands away from my face. You can try this. Also, notice when your pulling triggers are. Are they while you're stressed? Are they when you're bored? (Triggers = moments when you feel the strongest urge to pull.) I know it's hard to identify this because sometimes you don't even notice it happening, but try. It'll start to help you realize/notice when you're feeling an urge to pull.
But more importantly I learned which spots to pull that wouldn't really show up, like sort of under and in the back, but the base of your neck. I know that's not great advice, but it helped me cover it up at least.
I just try to consciously think about pulling and say certain mantras, such as "you're hair is gonna be ugly and thin" and "do you really want to mess up your beautiful hair"
Doing this really helped me control it, although it was hard as hell.
Good luck and if you wanna talk further, feel free to message me.
-Gina