Me and my Trich

Trichster · ‎16-09-2019

Hey guys! I’m trichster and I have Trichotillomania. For anyone out there who doesn’t understand what it is or for people who have it (like me) I’m writing this to help. Trich is a lot to deal with, and I know because I have it. I pulled my eyelashes when I was young, I eventually got over it, then when I did a dance comp I had to have makeup on and it came back. This time on my eyelashes AND my eyebrows. It’s been a tough time and I know mine can be worse or yours can be worse but all I want to do is help others and get help myself. Here are some strategies I use/used to help me. Worry stones-stones with a flat side to help stress (stress may be to do with picking), any fidget toys such as squishy’s, slime or play dough, go to your happy place- where you feel safe, welcomed and happy-where you can get distracted and not pick and my personal favourite, just tell yourself you can do it and you aren’t going to pick. Anyway thanks for your help. I really appreciate it. Thank you.

White_Rose · ‎16-09-2019

Hello Trichster

Hello and welcome to the forum. May I call you Trichster or is there another name you prefer?

Thank you for posting in on this subject. I have not heard of it before so I asked Dr Google. As usual there was answer which I hope was correct. Pulling out your hair, whether on your head, eyebrows or eyelashes sounds very painful. I am sorry you have this condition.

It sounds as though you have some good coping mechanisms. Thank you for telling us about the condition and the way you cope. May I ask if managing this condition needs the help of a mental health professional or medical doctor? Or both? It sounds really horrible.

Back to kindergarten playing with play dough or squishy slime sounds good for anyone. Certainly seems like a great way to relax. I hope you will continue to post in here.

Mary

_M_1 · ‎20-09-2019

Hey Trichster!

I, like you, have Trichotillomania (TTM, Trich). I have never been brave enough to comment on an online forum before today or admit this in any public space other than with my closest friends. But seeing your bravery and knowing there are other people who also struggle with this gives me strength to share my story and what has worked for me.

Trich is something have battled for 15years now. It comes and goes in waves.

Initially it started as just my eyelashes, nothing that anyone would really notice. Then before I knew it I had no eyelashes left. With an exceptionally supportive mum and the help of a psychologist, (I saw them for almost 2years) I managed to get it under control.

I would occasionally relapse, pull a few eyelashes, have a few gaps - managed to cover this with eyeliner when I was old enough want eyeliner - but overall I would say it was managed.

Then, unfortunately, it progressed to the hair on my head during the later years of high school, and I really struggled towards the end of year 12.

After school, I took a gap year, worked, travelled and regained control of my Trich again, my hair grew back.

Then in university I really started to struggle again. Worse than before.

As a young girl, not being able to wear your hair down, or style it in the way you would like to because you have bald patches that you need to cover/hide...it's not easy.

I know, it sounds like I have never had control. But I have!

Over the years, I have tried:

When i was younger - covering my fingers with bandaids - often it is a texture thing, I will search for a certain kind of texture then pull out that particular hair.

Focusing on an event that is coming up: deb ball, graduation, wedding etc, something to give you the strength to say NO and be stronger than then the urge to pull.

Something else to fiddle/fidget with, something to distract yourself.

And my most successful:

A good old fashioned start chart. Give yourself a star for every day you go without touching you hair. It sounds silly but trust me, it works. Then, as you see the days/weeks/months add up, you can see your progress and have an amazing sense of achievement.

I am proud to say that it has almost been 2 years since I have touched a hair on my head! and I no longer need the star chart.

I'll be honest, I still struggle with eyelashes, I lose a few every so often, particularly when stressed. But I will make a commitment to myself to stop.

Keep working hard Trichster, you are not alone xx

Trichster · ‎14-10-2019

Hey White Rose, thank you for the warm welcome! For people who have trich it really isn’t painful at all. Unfortunately, it feels really good. You asked about medical help- at the start, I tried to work on it myself, just with the help of my mum. But when it got bad, we got the help of a psychiatrist and psychologist. I see the psychologist every two weeks now, and with all of my other “tools” as well, it’s been helping a bit. I think it will take a while to get it under control. Thanks again! I’m enjoying the support. Trichster.

Trichster · ‎14-10-2019

Thanks for replying M this post really gave me at lot of support and help. I’ve had trich for only 3-4 years, but it’s been hard. I’ve recently been seeing a really cool psychologist and getting a lot of help from her. I know how trich is... trichy. I’ve recently pulled out more and more brows and it’s getting real tough but over the last week it’s been getting a lot better and I’ve been trying harder. I’ll still definitely try your star chart idea though! Might even be able to get a reward or two out of my mum 😂

It’s been trichy for both of us, but I know you’re trying and so am I ....but we’ll get over it eventually. Hopefully I’ll Get to the two-year mark like you!

Lacey41 · ‎13-12-2021

This is incredibly reassuring to read, that others suffer trich….it has come on as an adult for me, postpartum w second child. I had pretty rough childhood amd have seen therapists all my life along with being on medication amd seeing psychiatry. I’m booked in to do some work w a psychologist soon which I’m hoping will really help me. I’ve actually never felt so depressed and suicidal in my life and the urge to pull is stronger than ever.

Sophie_M · ‎13-12-2021

Hi Lacey41,

Welcome to the Beyond Blue forums,
Thank you for sharing your journey with us and we're really glad to hear you've been able to connect with Trichster's thread. We're sorry to hear how depressed and suicidal you've been feeling. We can hear that this is a really difficult time in your life. Please know our community is here to listen and provide support when needed.

If you feel you'd benefit from more ongoing support, you might like to get in touch with our Support Service. You can contact the Beyond Blue Support Service anytime on 1300 22 4636 or get in touch with us on Webchat 3pm-12am AEST here: www.beyondblue.org.au/getsupport
One of the friendly counsellors can offer you some support but also provide you with advice and referrals for seeing a counsellor in a more ongoing way.

Witchhazel · ‎04-01-2022

Hi Lacey41,

I just wanted to reach out to you after reading your post. It was reassuring for me too reading other people's experiences with trich (thankyou all!). My 10 yr old son has just finished pulling out what's left of his few remaining eyelashes and he has social phobia as well. It's heart breaking to see. I also wanted to let you know at one time in my life I was depressed and suicidal for some years and that with time and the right help life can turn around and be completely different for you. You are not alone.🌷