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.
Dear Anyone,
I have been pulling my hair out since I was about 10 and since I have been about 15 I realised that I had some kind of problem. I went to see a councellor at school at 17 and told her I was pulling it out but she gave me no advice whatsoever. I've even told my mum (who is really kind and understanding) but it was like she didn't want to know I had some crazy mental illness so just dismissed it as me being neurotic. I luckily have a huge head of hair, blonde almost to my waist and everyone says it's my most attractive feature so I keep asking why am I pulling it out!?! But worst of all I just don't know how to stop! Its like my fingers aren't connected to my brain and I just habitually pull it out whilst I am telling them to stop! I have started to notice some thinning but really want to stop before it gets out of control. I am a student so cannot afford therapy or hundred dollar books online! Does anyone at all have any suggestions of how I can stop? I am buying a stressball on friday to see if that helps but as this is the first time I've actually faced the problem head on, any advice would be so welcome! Thank you!!! Antonia xxx
I have been pulling my hair out since I was about 10 and since I have been about 15 I realised that I had some kind of problem. I went to see a councellor at school at 17 and told her I was pulling it out but she gave me no advice whatsoever. I've even told my mum (who is really kind and understanding) but it was like she didn't want to know I had some crazy mental illness so just dismissed it as me being neurotic. I luckily have a huge head of hair, blonde almost to my waist and everyone says it's my most attractive feature so I keep asking why am I pulling it out!?! But worst of all I just don't know how to stop! Its like my fingers aren't connected to my brain and I just habitually pull it out whilst I am telling them to stop! I have started to notice some thinning but really want to stop before it gets out of control. I am a student so cannot afford therapy or hundred dollar books online! Does anyone at all have any suggestions of how I can stop? I am buying a stressball on friday to see if that helps but as this is the first time I've actually faced the problem head on, any advice would be so welcome! Thank you!!! Antonia xxx
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I have been here before, a long long time ago and now I am back.Forgive me for not just saying what I want to say,even under a triple dose of antidepressants it is still raw and seeping and I am hesitant at revealing it as at least under the bandages around my heart I don,t have to look at how raw and wounded.My child was cleaved from my heart by his own actions. my child of ten,turning eleven...
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I gave my 2 week notice last Friday 13th. Now to join you fine people in a life of leisure and nothing else to do but to look out for myself....is it just me or does that sound pretty boring? My goal was to live to retire and I guess having to take early retirement because of health reasons wasn't exactly the way I had planned things. I just can't stay in that building that is reeking mildew...
I was about your age when I started pulling (I'm 31 now). It's WONDERFUL that you are working on nipping it in the bud before it gets out of control. Truth be told (IMO) there are no real answers. I get the impression that everyone's case is different. I have found that I have to really watch what I eat...sugar, caffeine, and peanuts are my ENEMY. I just take it one day at a time. The best thing I can tell you is to watch your diet, notice the things that make you pull (try to reduce stress), and see about trying to get on some OCD medications. I have tried Zoloft and Effexor XR...neither of them helped me. I don't really think either of them specificially treat OCD...they are more for anxiety and depression. I here that people have been having success on Luvox, but I don't know anything about it. I currently just try to divert my attention to something else when I notice myself getting those urges. It's hard. I wish there were a magic pill.
Hang in there, we are with you!
Katina
ps. look under recommendations. some suggest wearing gloves or popping their wrist with a rubber band, or wearing your hair up when you are not in publlic, or visualizing the process instead of perfoorming the process. There are lots of ideas, you just have to find what works best for you.