Is it easy to find a partner and/or maintain relationship when you have Trichotillomania?

People with experience in Trichotillomania give their opinion on whether it is easy or not to have a partner or to maintain a realationship when you are diagnosed of Trichotillomania. What are the possible difficulties in having a relationship?

Posted Aug 10, 2017 by Katlyn 1400

No it us not,,partners can not understand my disease...

Posted Aug 10, 2017 by Debra 300

If they are accepting of your condition yes. But always be open with then from the start, if they don't stick around there weren't worth your time.

Posted Aug 10, 2017 by Lucyeleanor2601 2620

No. I found a partner later in life because trich had knocked my self-confidence so much that I was convinced men would not be interested in a bald me with this 'craziness', so didn't even date. Now that I am in a stable, long-term relationship, it can still be difficult to help my partner understand that I'm not trying to be sneaky or hiding underlying emotional issues with this disorder. This has caused for trust to take longer to build. I also find it hard to completely open up to him when I feel an urge to pull because he just doesn't understand. All this said, my partner is the number 1 reason why my trich is so under control now. He has been a lifesaver in this regard.

Posted Aug 10, 2017 by Shirley 2150

Most trich patients live relatively normal lives with the use of makeup and false hair to go about daily lives in public. It is completely possible to have normal lives without hair, although most afflicted will share their disorder with their spouse if involved in a serious relationship. Some, however, keep their condition a secret and still engage in relationships without issue.

Posted Aug 10, 2017 by Ellen 2161

YES. It will always be hard and embarrassing to expose your secret issue but loving people love and help you. Trichotillomania(TTM)Awareness and other Facebook groups were created to help encourage others suffering the same.

Posted Oct 19, 2017 by Felicia@Face2FaceSpa 2000

This all depends on the relationship. Many individuals find their partner to be accepting and supportive, but with any mental illness or unfamiliar behaviour, some individuals are not as understanding. It is difficult, if you do not experience, to understand why someone can't simply stop doing a harmful behaviour. Others may not be accepting of the hair loss. But there are certainly people who will accept you and love you, and if someone who wants to be with you can't be one of those people, then they don't deserve your acceptance either.

Posted Oct 20, 2017 by Sari 2050

Depends on who you date. I find it isn't easy to date with trich if you're trying to hide it. It can be stressful and yeah, there are folks out there that are insensitive and will not want to be with you. But that's dodging a bullet, and you don't want negative folks like that in your life anyway. I would suggest being honest with your partner. If you are looking for one, screen said partner for compassion towards those with mental health illnesses, their ability to empathize, etc. before making the decision that they are worthy of knowing about your trich journey.

Posted Oct 20, 2017 by bennersk 2190

Things will go difficult psychologically and physically, the feeling of guilt and low self-esteem may make you avoid friends, families and beloved ones. Their support will brighten up your day, so stick to them and always ask for help, you deserve it!

It's challenging to maintain relationships but not impossible, things are going for me and my partner so far!

Posted Jan 27, 2018 by Vee 2770