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 my name is Maddie and I am 17 (18 in May). I have struggled with trich for about 6 years. It started when I transitioned into middle school and now I am afraid that this transition from high school to college might make thing worse because of how stressfull it is. Anyone have any idea about how I can make this transtion less stressfull.
Not knowing how to handle the stresses and freedoms of college contributed to the start of my trich in my sophomore year. Hindsight is always 20/20 though and below are the most important preventative tactics I've learned. Some of these seem obvious, but they are sooo important for me to stay pull-free.
- Get 7-8 hrs of sleeps a night (and don't drink caffeine late in the day!)
-Exercise regularly
-Don't abuse alcohol, caffeine, or nicotine (or any drug for that matter)
-Stay away from unhealthy relationships
-Eat as healthy as possible (most of the time)
-If a food bothers your skin or stomach, it likely will lead to pulling, Don't eat it!
-Get a planner and plan out your entire life in it. This will reduce stress. Writing down what date and time you will do a task will unburden it from your mind.
-Study in public places. You'll be less likely to pull with people watching. (Get some noise canceling headphones)
-I found that in order for me to not stress about a test, I need to accept that I must prepare for it to the best of my ability. Studying hard and knowing you're ready takes away the anxiety immensely.
-Get involved in something positive outside of school (church, sorority/fraternity, clubs, sports, volunteer stuff, etc.)
-Spend time outdoors! As much as possible.
-Honestly the #1 thing that has helped me is finding a higher power to believe in. A God (or whatever you want to call it) of your choice and of your understanding is all that it takes to make a start.
I managed to graduate with a challenging degree and am 26 and gainfully employed now. Using the above tactics my trich was diminished from full-blow nightmare to minor eyelash pulling. Eventually I got fed up with having gapped eyelashes and I sought to put an end to this once and for all. I tried a spiritual solution and surrender to that fact that alone I am powerless against pulling. Yet, with a power greater than myself, and the help of other human beings, there is hope. I haven't pulled since February 27, 2019 and I can tell you right now it has not been by MY will power. If you want to know more, send me a message.