Can't stop pulling

[Cat82]

Hi! I have a BIG problem! I can't stop pulling out my eyebrows and eyelashes! It hard! I started when I was 10 and now I'm 14! I wear fisherman(bucket)hats to cover it up! Once, I could could count how many eyelashes I had on one hand You could see bald spots on my eyebrows Got ideas?

[This message has been edited by Cat82 (edited 07-10-2001).]

[This message has been edited by Cat82 (edited 07-10-2001).]

[Wowwweee]

Hi:

You may want to talk to your doctor about "Trichotillomania", which is the name given to compulsive pulling of the hair (head hair, eye lashes, eye browns, etc.).

Many people have this compulsion, and it can be treated with the correct diagnosis and treatment. Please give yur doctor a call before you go completely bald! Good luck.

[Cat82]

Thank you, problem is is that I do not like doctors nor do I wanna be stressin' out my mother. Thats what everyone else said. Thing is, my mother doesn't know now since breaks bring a load off my mind and I'm not as stressed. After all, she get mad at me when I start plucking. I would like to tell her that I can't stop just by someone telling me to stop because I tried it many times myself Thanks anyway, I'll try to keep it in mind

[This message has been edited by Cat82 (edited 07-11-2001).]

[Wowwweee]

Hi again:

I understand what you are saying here. I don't blame you for not wanting to worry or anger your mother.

However, you are old enough to know that you do have a problem that is kind of out of control for you. And it sounds like you have already spoken to other people about your problem, and the answer has been the same: you should speak to your doctor. It sounds to me (just a guess here) that you are looking for a quick fix way to stop this problem instead of meeting it head on.

Many people don't like going to doctors, but sometimes you have to "bite the bullet" and make an appointment so you can take care of yourself.

You sound like a smart young lady who is aware of a problem, and is aware that your stressful times cause you to want to pull out your hair more. You also are aware of the reasons why you don't want to pursue getting help.

Some compulsions only increase with age and habit, so I would think about your future and let your mom know what's going on. It's normal that you don't want to see your mom angry or upset over this - and it's normal for your mom to appear to be a bit frustrated with your compulsion; maybe it scares her or does worry her, and maybe she just doesn't really understand your need to do this.

No-one on here can make you talk to your mom, or make you call your doctor. My friendly and concerned advice is to tell you mom so that she and you together can get some guidance on this compulsion before it does become harder for you to stop. Good luck.

[Cat82]

Over the past few days, I been pulling out my lashes and my brows. My lashes looks ok, but my brows looks faded in some spots. I won't stop until I see a whole lot of lashes and brows I don't want to go back to pulling out my brows and lashes and then have to wear gloves in my sleep. Help.




[This message has been edited by Cat82 (edited 07-18-2001).]