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Which advice would you give to someone who has just been diagnosed with Trichotillomania?

See some advice from people with experience in Trichotillomania to people who have just been diagnosed with Trichotillomania

Trichotillomania advice

Advice for Someone Diagnosed with Trichotillomania


Trichotillomania, also known as hair-pulling disorder, is a challenging condition that can significantly impact your daily life. If you have recently been diagnosed with trichotillomania, it is important to remember that you are not alone. Many individuals around the world struggle with this disorder, and there are strategies and support available to help you manage and overcome it.


1. Educate Yourself:


Understanding trichotillomania is the first step towards managing it effectively. Take the time to learn about the disorder, its causes, symptoms, and available treatments. Knowledge empowers you to make informed decisions and seek appropriate help.


2. Seek Professional Help:


Consulting with a mental health professional, such as a therapist or psychologist, who specializes in trichotillomania can be immensely beneficial. They can provide you with a proper diagnosis, offer guidance, and develop a personalized treatment plan tailored to your needs. Cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) has shown promising results in treating trichotillomania, so consider finding a therapist who specializes in this approach.


3. Build a Support System:


Trichotillomania can be isolating, but remember that you don't have to face it alone. Reach out to your friends, family, or support groups who can provide understanding, empathy, and encouragement. Sharing your experiences with others who have trichotillomania can be particularly helpful, as they can offer unique insights and coping strategies.


4. Identify Triggers and Patterns:


Take note of the situations, emotions, or thoughts that precede your hair-pulling episodes. Identifying triggers and patterns can help you develop strategies to interrupt or redirect the behavior. For example, if stress triggers your hair-pulling, finding healthy stress-management techniques like deep breathing exercises or engaging in a hobby can be helpful.


5. Develop Coping Mechanisms:


Experiment with various coping mechanisms to find what works best for you. Some individuals find relief through activities that keep their hands busy, such as knitting, drawing, or playing with stress balls. Others benefit from relaxation techniques like meditation, yoga, or taking warm baths. Find healthy alternatives that distract you from hair-pulling and provide a sense of relaxation.


6. Practice Self-Care:


Engaging in self-care activities can help reduce stress and improve your overall well-being. Make sure to prioritize activities that promote relaxation, such as getting enough sleep, eating a balanced diet, exercising regularly, and engaging in hobbies you enjoy. Taking care of your physical and mental health is crucial in managing trichotillomania.


7. Be Patient and Kind to Yourself:


Recovery from trichotillomania takes time and effort. It is essential to be patient and kind to yourself throughout the process. Remember that setbacks may occur, but they do not define your progress. Celebrate small victories and acknowledge your efforts, as every step towards managing trichotillomania is a significant achievement.


8. Explore Treatment Options:


While there is no one-size-fits-all approach to treating trichotillomania, there are various treatment options available. In addition to therapy, some individuals find medication, such as selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs), helpful in managing their symptoms. Discuss these options with your healthcare provider to determine what may be suitable for you.


9. Stay Positive and Hopeful:


Trichotillomania can be challenging, but maintaining a positive mindset and staying hopeful is crucial. Believe in your ability to overcome this disorder and focus on the progress you make along the way. With the right support, strategies, and determination, you can regain control over your hair-pulling urges and lead a fulfilling life.


Remember, seeking professional help and building a support system are vital steps towards managing trichotillomania effectively. You are not alone in this journey, and there is hope for recovery.


Diseasemaps
12 answers
Love yourself anyway.

Posted Aug 10, 2017 by Katlyn 1400
Don't take it as it's not something that can't be beaten, anything's possible, you've just got to get past the urges! If they send you for cbt (cognitive behavioural therapy) take it there could be a under line reason for your pulling and you just don't realise.

Posted Aug 10, 2017 by Lucyeleanor2601 2620
You are not crazy. The fact that you pull does not mean that you do not have your s*** together. It may also not mean that you are dealing with deeper psychological issues or hiding from past trauma. It is an impulse control disorder, that's it. And there are ways to lessen its impact. Don't depend on what your doctor or health professional says - do your own research. They may not know the condition well themselves and could be giving you unhelpful advice. Find others affected and see what has worked for them.

Posted Aug 10, 2017 by Shirley 2150
Just remember, you are more than your hair. Quitting can be hard work, and if you break your pull-free streak, don't give up! It happens to all of us. Some go pull free for months, even years, before relapsing. Just brush yourself off and move on. You've got this.

Posted Aug 10, 2017 by Ellen 2161
Don't let it define you. You as a person haven't changed, and you are not just some "bald freak" as many people like to say. You are still you and there are a lot of us like you, so stay strong and speak to people who have dealt with it. It may help you stop making the mistakes people have made before and we may be able to reassure you life isn't as bad as you think it will be when you have trich.

Posted Aug 12, 2017 by Catswithtatts 1650
Get 2 journals. One for emotions. The other for patterns. List diet, exercise, emotions, etc. to see if pulling can be associated with something like milk, depression, or possible triggers. It is one way to stay "in charge" of something you cannot control. When they emotion journal is full, burn it, bury it, keep it, whatever will help you deal with it.

Posted Sep 10, 2017 by Cynthia 1502
be kind to yourself, be gentle and love yourself. Join help groups. Trichotillomania(TTM)Awareness and other Facebook groups were created to help encourage others suffering the same.

Posted Oct 19, 2017 by Felicia@Face2FaceSpa 2000
Find a good support system. There are facebook groups, national centers for body-focused repetitive behaviours that put on events, therapists, etc. Know and try to accept that this is not your fault, and work towards controlling it and minimizing the effects. You are no less attractive or lovable with your condition.

Posted Oct 20, 2017 by Sari 2050
it's not the end of the world. You can be normal, and productive and happy. You are not just your hair, you are so much more! Be patient and kind with yourself, pull-free life is not the end all, be all. You can be a puller and still be a healthy, well adjusted member of society. Don't listen to those who wish to push you down....and finally...find your community. We're out there, just look for your people. There is strength in numbers, and it is a healing experience.

Posted Oct 20, 2017 by bennersk 2190
Love and accept yourself ❤
You're not alone ❤
Seek help always ❤

Posted Jan 27, 2018 by Vee 2770
Loving and accepting yourself before all else.

Posted May 25, 2018 by natasha 400

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