grlintrupt
07-26-2003, 05:12 AM
hi there, I am new and have a problem that I would like some help with. Ok since I was 12 years old I have pulled my hair out of my head, what started this I don't know. I kept doing this all through high school and etc. It never bothered me because I could never notice any bald spots or anything. But now within the past year I pull so much hair, that I can't wear my hair down anymore. I have to have it up or wear a bandana. This is very embarassing, and I know ppl. at work are probably wondering why my hair is always up. I just recently told my b/f that I do this, and he says he doesn't care, and that he's there for me. He is the only one I have ever told. I am even too afraid to tell my doctor. I also pick at my arms, and around my belly-button, I did bite my nails, but I have stopped doing that for a few months now. I have to always pick at my face to get rid of pimples and blackheads, and I will just sit somewhere for hours examining myself, just looking for flaws to pick at. I never knew what was wrong with me until I saw a show on tv about this woman wo had something called trichotillomania. I looked it up on the internet and I have all the symptoms. Sorry this is so long, but I would really like to have someone to help me with this, and give me some advice. Also, is this an obsessive compulsive disorder? By the way I am almost 21 years old now. Thanks to those of you who respond.
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grlintrupt
07-30-2003, 03:12 AM
Just wanted to thank you all so much for not even answering me at all!! I thought these were here so people could talk to each other and help each other out. What a mistake I made coming to this site!!
[This message has been edited by grlintrupt (edited 07-30-2003).]
[This message has been edited by grlintrupt (edited 07-30-2003).]
eminemworshipper
07-30-2003, 07:30 AM
Hey!
This is my first time on this board...so I thought I would drop in and reply to a few. Have u ever been to a doctor about this problem? I know everyone suggests this..but they really are the best at giving advice on things like this. Are these bald patches really noticable? U can actually have hair replaced at the hairdressers..so maybe that could be an option...u should speak to one about it. It could be a obsessive thing, but I am not quite sure. PLease let us know how u get on!!xx Good luck xx
Caroline :)
This is my first time on this board...so I thought I would drop in and reply to a few. Have u ever been to a doctor about this problem? I know everyone suggests this..but they really are the best at giving advice on things like this. Are these bald patches really noticable? U can actually have hair replaced at the hairdressers..so maybe that could be an option...u should speak to one about it. It could be a obsessive thing, but I am not quite sure. PLease let us know how u get on!!xx Good luck xx
Caroline :)
CapsFan
08-01-2003, 04:36 PM
You need to talk to your doctor about this. Don't be afraid to ask for help, as it is a real disorder.
Trich is called an impulse disorder, but they're still debating if it's an OCD. Usually there's a "trigger" that makes you want to pull. There are forms of treatment, such as behavior therapy, meds, and support groups; however, not all of them work for everyone.
There are many support groups online if you want help figuring out how to approach your doctor. There are also several books available about trich.
Trich is called an impulse disorder, but they're still debating if it's an OCD. Usually there's a "trigger" that makes you want to pull. There are forms of treatment, such as behavior therapy, meds, and support groups; however, not all of them work for everyone.
There are many support groups online if you want help figuring out how to approach your doctor. There are also several books available about trich.
hangtenvetter
08-02-2003, 12:10 AM
Sorry that the responses came so late. Sometimes the participants don't make it on regular intervals. I have read a few posts here about scab picking and trich. I do hope you make it back here. There truly are people suffering from the same problem as you here on the boards. I know that they would be more than willing to hash things out with you and offer help.
mank
08-09-2003, 01:05 PM
grlintrupt,
Sometimes it take a few days for a person to respond.
Now that I am working again I don't get tot he forums as much.
I know how you feel I have pulled since I was around 10 and I am 36 now.
It is not easy and I too did npot know this had a name until I saw a segment on a talk show about 7 years ago.
Since then I have told my doctor and we have tried several medicines since. I am not Pull free and I do still pull to the point that I am crazy feeling inside.
I take and now go see a therapist as well. she beleives that with therapy, behavior modificationa nd mediciane that I can be on the road to controlling this awful dreaded pulling.
Good Luck and Be Patient.
:-) Mank
Sometimes it take a few days for a person to respond.
Now that I am working again I don't get tot he forums as much.
I know how you feel I have pulled since I was around 10 and I am 36 now.
It is not easy and I too did npot know this had a name until I saw a segment on a talk show about 7 years ago.
Since then I have told my doctor and we have tried several medicines since. I am not Pull free and I do still pull to the point that I am crazy feeling inside.
I take and now go see a therapist as well. she beleives that with therapy, behavior modificationa nd mediciane that I can be on the road to controlling this awful dreaded pulling.
Good Luck and Be Patient.
:-) Mank
sleekgirla
08-12-2003, 07:02 AM
I also have trichtillomania. I started pulling my hair about 2 years ago. I think it started from massive stress. I was so stressed out becuase my brother divorded his wife. I have also made big bald spot on tbe top of my head before. Right now I have a smaller baldspot. I take prozac and it does not help and the doctors are not much help either. Here is my advice, put up signs next to the places where you get the urge to pull...I always want to pull when I am watching TV so I have a sign up above the TV to remind to stop pulling if I realize I am pulling. Half of the time I don't even realize I am pulling my hair out until I have a pile of hair on the floor next to me. I also eat the root at the end of the hairs I pull out!! WHY!! I don't know. It just makes me feel better. I usually slather my hair up with conditioner before I go to bed so I don't pull during my sleep...yes I have woken up once and realized I was pulling my hair out. I hope to overcome the pulling one day. I have gotten better thought. I used to pull everyday about 10 or more times a day, but now I can go a max of 3 days without pulling any hair at all. I also rub my skin off. I know I am not crazy but just have a real problem. I hope this helps. If you need someone to talk I am here for you because I know exactly what you are going through. GOod Luck.
scorpricorn
08-17-2003, 03:08 AM
I have the same problem. It started when I was about 10 years old and I have no idea why I started. I pulled out so much that I was almost totally bald and it was horribly embarrassing. My parents thought I had alopecia..this is the first time I have EVER told others that I have this disorder. I stopped pulling the hair on my head as much after about a year and now I have beautiful, long hair..but then I started pulling out my eyebrows and EYELASHES..both were almost all gone but now they are grown back and look good and I don't pull those as much. I also pulled off of my legs and arms..pretty much everywhere. I even did it to my DOG!! What the hell is wrong with me?! I can't bare to tell a doctor..or parents..or friends..but maybe letting all this out will help me more.
I know I have improved a LOT. All I have to say is get your will power up and just keep telling yourself that no good is coming from this...never never never give up!!!
I know I have improved a LOT. All I have to say is get your will power up and just keep telling yourself that no good is coming from this...never never never give up!!!