Trichotillamania (hair pulling)

[TheBigBlue]

Anyone else suffer with this?

i didn’t even know it was a thing until I mentioned it to my psychologist. Then I found it had a name & I was able to read up about it.

I'm trying really hard to divert myself away from doing it. But I’ve been feeling so stressed recently that I find myself pulling my eyelashes out again. I know, it sounds like the weirdest thing ever. But i can’t stop & I feel “better” when I do it.

I'm not sure if this is a rare or common issue, so just wondering if anyone else out there has it?

[Meg_611]

Yep I have mildly, used to be worse!
I don’t know why I did it either! But you are not alone !

[calmseeker]

Hi there TheBigBlue,

My daughter has this. She has pulled all her hair out from the back of her head, her fringe is a bit mangled and she attacks her eyebrows also. She got a fidget spinner thing and tries to use that when she feels the need to pull hair, she says though, that she doesn't realise she is doing it sometimes until 5 mins into the habit. Its a tricky one. I feel guilty about it as I have severe anxiety and I feel like she has 'inherited' the anxious gene from me. So weird how anxiety manifests itself in so many different ways. Hope your psych can give you some advice on the condition xo

[Step_Twelve]

Hi TheBigBlue,
Coincidentally, today I'm wearing my new "finger covers" that I found for a couple dollars on eBay. They sort of look like cut-off glove fingers made of a thin material that goes down just past the first knuckle. I'll make a note come back here in a few days and tell you if they helped!

I have a compulsive habit of pulling out my eyebrows - a variation of trichotillomania. I do it so often that there are now very noticeable bald patches in the centre on both sides, which looks weird. I've tried many times to stop, and have been successful for maybe a month or so, but it always seems to come back.

When I discussed it with my psychologist, she advised me to look at the underlying triggers rather than the habit itself. This was helpful, and I was able to identify when and why I subconsciously fall into the habit. In short, it happens when I'm bored, stressed, or reading something that causes anxiety or stress - particularly when my hands are unoccupied.
I definitely recommend doing a bit of analysis on the underlying causes of your stress or anxiety that leads to the eyelash-pulling.

For me though, the nature of my job (alternating between boring and stressful) isn't likely to change soon, and improving my general levels of nervousness and anxiety is a long process. So I've decided to try some other techniques that I've read about. The first is "friction" - introducing something that makes it slightly harder to indulge the habit. Covering my fingertips makes it very slightly harder to grip hair and pull it out. You don't need finger covers - you could try something a bit less conspicuous like a band-aid or piece of tape on your finger - the only requirement for me is that it feels different enough to bring my awareness to the subconscious hair-pulling. From there, it's up to me to intercept it. Whenever I catch myself doing it I'll either get up and do something else, or if I have to stay put, I'll make a fist and squeeze for 5 seconds (this is another technique where you try to replace one habit with another).

Wish me luck! And do let me know if you come across any other techniques we can try.

All the best,
12

[_Doingit]

Hi team,

I know this feed is old, so I hope you're all doing better.

This is the first time I've seeked the support of others in the 36 years that I have suffered with Trich. Eyelashes, eye brows, arm hair, hair on my head. Anxiety and stress are huge triggers. But also mundane activities like driving, watching TV, working on the computer. I go into a daze, not knowing Im doing it and realise 5 minutes or more later. Its actually exhilaratingly comforting for me (god knows why???) until the see the result in the mirror. Then I feel ashamed, embarrassed and a total loss of control.

3 days ago I got so fed up with the control it had over me that I said enough is enough! Since then I have touched my hair about 50 times a day, but I have not pulled. Initially my anxiety levels were through the roof. But a few days in, I'm feeling better. Proud of myself for finally taking control of the controllables.

How are you all doing?

[White05]

Yes I have this problem only with my eyebrows but I literally am crying every night because im so fed up with pulling them out and I just want it to stop but I dont know HOW! and I keep lying to my mum about not pulling them out but she has had enough as she think i am but i am lying to her and she has been so stressed because she worrying about me and I just feel so alone like Im literally crying everynight. but i need to find something to help me stop!?

[Sophie_M]

Dear White05
 
Welcome to the Beyond Blue forums we are so glad that you have made you way here and had the bravery to post. We want you to know that this is a safe space to discuss your thoughts, feelings and experiences and receive honest responses and suggestions from fellow forum users.
 
We are sorry to hear that you are having to go through this, it must feel very distressing for you.  We will always as first step, encourage you to speak with your GP who can figure out what is happening for you, provide a possible diagnosis and if so, appropriate treatment to help you overcome the impact of the condition.  In the meant time, please also know that we are also here 24/7 on 1300 22 4636 or via our Webchat.  Our team who answer the phones are ready to have a supportive and non-judgmental chat whenever you need it.
 
We’re sure to hear from some of our lovely community members here on your thread soon. They’re a really amazing community, and will have understanding, advice and kind words for you.  Thanks again for sharing. It’s a powerful and brave first step towards feeling better.
 
Regards 
 
Sophie M