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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Heartbroken77 05/06/2013

I get nervous and tend to pull my facial hair until I have bald spots on my chin, face, etc. I used to be able to grow a beard, mustache, etc but now I usually shave so that i won't pull. I would like to stop pulling but don't know how? So frustrated...

deleted_user 05/06/2013

I commend you on seeking support for your issue with trich. Not many men will do that...also, it's very difficult to just STOP...I've studied this illness for my own personal knowledge as well as for my professional life as a therapist. Trichotillomania (hair pulling) is a very complex psych. issue...we're not exactly sure WHY people do it. I know for me, it was part of my self-destructive nature along with a compulsion...for some reason it eased my anxiety...lately I've been free of pulling for days..I've decided to stay as busy as possible..along with a pretty intense workout schedule...exercise is a natural anti-depressant, it increases the production of serotonin( our "happy" chemical in the brain) and just makes you feel good. Stopping all together is very hard. If you're comfortable seeing a therapist about this, then that's what I would recommend. They will help you with the 'root' issues behind the pulling, as well as give you many tools and coping mechanisms to help you change your behavior. This is called CBT- or Cognitive Behavioral Therapy- about 85% of therapists use this approach. Some things i can suggest is keeping a
hair pulling journal, or use the journal on this site...you can gain a lot of insight by just letting out your feelings or help you progress by setting some realistic goals. "Today I will only pull 5 hairs." Take it one day at a time and be nice to yourself. Think about the times and places when you pull. Alter your routine. I wish you the best of luck and feel free to msg. me whenever you want.-jessica

deleted_user 05/13/2013

Sometimes I wish that I could just shave it all off so that I would be forced to stop pulling too.

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