Coping strategy woes

[Mack_]

Hello everyone, 

I hope you are all doing well x 

I have written on here a few times, and you've all been great and have really helped with my concerns. (huge Thankyou!) 

In past posts I've briefly and vaguely (I've never been good with words) mentioned my stuggles. Now, I feel my most recent struggle has been developing Trichotillomania - or in simple terms, the compulsive behaviour of pulling out ones' hair. I really thought this would be a phase, because it kind of came out of nowhere. For over half my life I've struggled with OCD and anxiety, but never resorted to this behaviour. I had always been one for more harmful behaviour in the past. Now, I just seem to be seeing my OCD carried out with odd behaviours with Trich and a few other things. I'm not sure I want to say what, in fear it's triggering for others or inappropriate for this forum. I wouldn't say it's harmful as such, but it definitely wouldn't be classified as an OK behaviour? It all seems to be getting worse, or moreso that I'm becoming more reliant and developing infections from the Trich in particular. 

Long, and vague story short - I need help. This is all new for me.. It took me ten years to seek help for my mental illnesses.. I don't want to let that happen again with this too.

If anyone here suffers from Trich in particular, what do you find helps?! Do I just need to talk to my psychologist? Should i see my psychiatrist again? I don't know how to stop this, it's such a subconscious behaviour now. Mostly a habit, but can definitely see it as my way of coping also in recent months. 

help?? 

Thanks in advance x 

[blondguy]

Hey Mack..

I am not an expert with words either...but you seem to be doing just fine. You have been more appropriate than I am..you are okay...no worries

Now for my apology Mack....I did read your post twice and I feel for you with Trichotillomania. I also read that you wanted to speak to someone with Trich in particular.I dont have it.

I have had 25 years of GAD and approx 15 of Depression and now some Agoraphobia..which is a pain but a gift after the severe anxiety.....I just wanted to show you some respect for posting..and I am sorry that I am zero help.

However...From what you have posted...and If you can somehow do it...I would see your psychiatrist prior to a psychologist...(just what has worked for me..thats all Mack...just experience) The Psychologists are great but they keep wanting to keep themselves booked over a more protracted period of time...plus of course the psychiatrists have that degree in Medicine...which may help here compared with a Psychologist.

If you can Mack..please check your thread...There are many wonderful people on here (and people that aren't that just read and may post!) that I hope can give some support.

Please reply if you wish..It would be good to see how you are going

Kindest Thoughts Mack

Paul

[digit_]

Hey mack. I'm 20 and i suffer with Trich aswell, nothing I do seems to cut the habit. I'm on an anti depressant that helps with anxiety aswell and that doesn't help either. I was meant to be put into a Cognitive behavioural therapy class through my psychologist to help the habit but I haven't done it yet. Im going to suggest it to my psychologist and I suggest you should too because apparently it can help! 🙂 

i had Trich when I was younger from about 4-11yo and it completely went away and started again when I turned 17 and I'm now 20 and still doing it. Being a girl, it makes me very self conscious as it severely stunts my hair growth and Alls I want is long hair 😞 as I can understand itd be making you frustrated and self conscious also, I tried putting a rubber band on my wrist and snapping it everytime I went to do it but it didn't work. Have you tried anything like that? 

[Mack_]

Hello Paul. 

thankyou for taking time for even just that peace of mind. With or without the Trich, I appreciate you took the time to respond - no apology needed! 

im sorry you suffer gad, depression and now Ag. I understand how you feel, it's tough, it is. You aren't alone, please know that. 

Thankyou for the advice of seeing the psychiatrist before psychologist. I think that's a good idea. I'll let you know how it goes. 

 Thankyou again. 

[blondguy]

Hi Mack

Thankyou for your kind and understanding support!

I do hope you have some joy with your visit..you deserve to

Here for you Mack

Kind Thoughts

Paul

[Mack_]

Thankyou for your response digit. 

Seems to be a hard one to crack. Think I'm going to talk to my psychiatrist even though it worries me. I don't want to be zombied with pills. 

 I just need to alter my habit, it's not for sabotage or harm. It's de stressing and relaxing. I might try walking of an afternoon instead, seems I do it to wind down after work. 

 thabkyou, best of luck with your treatments too x 

[ElleWoods]

Hi Mack_

I created an account just to contribute to this thread! I searched this site for Trich and your post was the only search result!

I had Trich from age 11-17 and recently it returned (in my mid 20s). When I was younger I would get into a trance of pulling and tried all sorts of strange things to stop myself from starting to pull (even wearing gloves to bed didn't help!).

Now that I'm older I'm perhaps more alert to when I start pulling and although the urge is very strong I find that I can sometimes consciously snap myself out of a pulling episode.

I mostly pull in bed as I try to fall asleep but if I catch myself starting I can sometimes jump up and change into a fresh pair of pjs to stop myself from falling into a pulling trance. I think it may have something to do with lowering my body temp.. but who knows!

Hope you find something that works for you!

Thanks for asking the question and sharing your Trich experience. Its rarely talked about and it helps me a great deal to hear of other people who are trying to figure it all out just like I am.

On your team,

G

[cakeboss]

hi there love some feedback on this .I have been sufferer of anxiety panic attacks lately .I have been to gp and counciler .I have been given the irrational thinking chart which tells you to assess the situation whats bothering you and what are your thoughts right now .notice breathing,challenge thoughts.THey are just thoughts they are not me .I was so happy after counciling but find it hard to to this but guess only been few days .Would love to hear how others get through these stratigies