Anxiety, OCD and hair pulling

[An123]

Hi!

When I was young my mum noticed I always had a lot of "what-ifs" flying through my head at any given time. I think it's safe to say this was the beginning of my anxiety. I believe my anxiety is genetic (my mum suffers from it, though mine is more severe). Due to the fact I was in denial to my anxiety and the stress was getting the better of me (with the occasional panic attack swell), I developed OCD.

Then, when I was around 12 I developed trichatilamania (did I spell that right?!) Trichatilamania is compulsive hair pulling disorder. I find it very distressing to be young however having bald patches (that I manage to cover) on my head. I have been trying to stop pulling but its really hard. I feel helpless to it.

I believe I used hair pulling and OCD as coping mechanisms for myself to deal with the stress without actually directly confronting it. The funny thing is, it took years of me having all these symptoms before I came to terms with it, and finally admitted to myself that I have anxiety.

I don't feel like I have anyone who fully understands, and I was hoping for some stores of hope and advice if possible? Thankyou for reading.

[Croix]

Dear An123~

Welcome to the Forum, it can be a hard thing to make that first post, not knowing what reception you will receive, it's even hard to admit to oneself something is wrong and needs attention.

Now I've not had the same problem to anything like the degree you have. I too have anxiety ("plus all the what ifs") though this has manifest itself in different physical reasons, from chest pains to headaches.

However when very stressed I do twiddle a hank of hair and end up tugging it hard. not hard enough to pull it our, but hard enough for the discomfort to momentarily distract myself from whatever is stressing me at the time -but only for a moment.

I guess I'm fortunate in a couple of ways. Because my actions are not severe I do not have to worry about having hair missing from my scalp - something I'd imagine you would find most embarrassing.

Secondly it acts acts as a indicator for my partner and also my psych. If they see me doing this it indicates to them better than words the level of my anxiety.

There has never been any serious attempt to stop me doing this, other than my partner saying 'Stop that!' which surprisingly enough makes me realise I'd being doing it, normally I'm unaware.

It comes about in direct proportion to my current overall anxiety level and at times of stress during those highly anxious periods. As my anxiety level drops, by removal of stressors, therapy from my psychiatrist, and medication the problem ceases, at least for then.

I'm not sure how to get yourself to stop except, as I said, by reducing the basic cause, your anxiety condition, and temporary heightened stressful situations.

I've discusses the matter, along with other things with a psychologist suggested by my psych, he put forward the idea of a substitute and less harmful action, mentioning snapping an elastic band on my wrist.

I regret to say I did not take this terribly seriously at the time as we were concentrating on something else, but think the idea does have possibilities

So may I ask if you are under proper medical care for your anxiety OCD, and this worrying symptom? I do know I never improved until I had the correct support.

I do know things can get a whole lot better.

Croix

[An123]

Thankyou Croix, this was very helpful- I will keep this in mind!

Thanks,

A123

[Croix]

Dear An123~

You are welcome, it is good to hear from you. I've wondered how you are getting on

Croix