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.

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cupcake1012 10/12/2017

I've had trichotillomania for about 6 years already. It started when I got bullied in school and when I started going through depression too. My parents know about my hairpulling but they don't know how it started, they just know I have it, and have taken me to many specialized counselors and help groups, but nothing has worked. Everytime they discover a bald spot, they get really angry at me and say stuff like "Why do you keep pulling, you're almost bald?" "Can't you just stop, no one will like you if you are bald?" stuff like that. i keep telling them that they don't understand what I'm going through and they still won't listen. Please help!

Wonderstruck 10/14/2017

I relate to what you’re going through.
I Also have been bullied in school, and suffering depression.
I believe that this is your outlet of emotions. Hair pulling Is like cutting, or a feeling of pain to help distract yourself.
Try to get a wrist band and pull on that. Pull on something other than your hair if you can.

cupcake1012 10/15/2017

I try to but, I think it's the pain of my hair being pulled out that is really satisfying and addicting. So whenever I try to get my mind off of it, I always end up wanting to pull again.

Aggeloi 10/22/2017

The feeling of the hair coming out is intensely satisfying, like scratching a bad itch. But it also ultimately damages, like scratching a bad itch. Both of which you already knew. <3 I'm just saying I know exactly what you're talking about.

At one point during my off-and-on issues (spanning more than a decade), I wore gloves whenever I was alone (since alone times were when I pulled). More than once I've dealt with it by wearing hats. Most recently, I cut all my hair off. Just chopped it. Buzzed all the way down. Today I got it cut again because I was starting to pull again. It was insanely freeing to me when I first cut it all off - it felt SOOOO good to know I wouldn't be pulling again.

I don't know if any of that helps. I think it boils down to an anxiety disorder (I think it fits better under that category than OCD, but that might depend on the person), and if you aren't on meds for anxiety, it might be worth looking into. As for the now, see if you can find something that keeps your hands out of your hair - gloves, hat, or something else. Or just cut it off like I did. :) Sending big hugs and prayers your way <3

cupcake1012 10/22/2017

Thanks so much for your help! I've tried wearing hats and gloves for a while but I always have the urge to take them off when I want to pull. I don't think it's anxiety that makes me pull, I think it's just an insecurity about myself. XOXO <3

sunnyd55 12/29/2017

I understand your struggles. It helps me to feel that I'm not alone. Last night I pulled out a few after a long time of not doing it. It's anxiety because my daughter isn't talking to me and I have no family to turn to. My therapist says that I get to hurt over this and that I have to wait for her to contact me. It's so hard just being here alone & hurting. I don't have a car & it's too cold 17° to walk anywhere. I was bullied too as a teenager.

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