Trichotillomania

Living with Trichotillomania. How to live with Trichotillomania?

Can you be happy living with Trichotillomania? What do you have to do to be happy with Trichotillomania? Living with Trichotillomania can be difficult, but you have to fight to try to be happy. Have a look at things that other people have done to be happy with Trichotillomania

Living with Trichotillomania

Trichotillomania is a disorder characterized by the irresistible urge to pull out one's hair, resulting in noticeable hair loss. Living with Trichotillomania can be challenging, but with the right strategies and support, it is possible to manage the condition effectively.

1. Seek Professional Help

If you suspect you have Trichotillomania, it is crucial to consult a healthcare professional, such as a therapist or psychiatrist, who specializes in treating this disorder. They can provide an accurate diagnosis and develop a personalized treatment plan tailored to your needs.

2. Understand Triggers

Identifying triggers that lead to hair pulling episodes is essential in managing Trichotillomania. Stress, anxiety, boredom, or certain situations can act as triggers. By recognizing these triggers, you can develop coping mechanisms to avoid or minimize their impact.

3. Develop Coping Strategies

Learning alternative behaviors to replace hair pulling is crucial. Engaging in activities that keep your hands busy, such as knitting, drawing, or playing with stress balls, can redirect the urge to pull hair. Additionally, practicing relaxation techniques like deep breathing or meditation can help reduce anxiety and stress levels.

4. Create a Support System

Building a strong support system is vital when living with Trichotillomania. Share your condition with trusted friends, family members, or support groups who can offer understanding, encouragement, and accountability. They can provide emotional support during challenging times and help you stay on track with your treatment plan.

5. Modify Your Environment

Make changes to your environment to minimize opportunities for hair pulling. Keep your hair short or wear it in a style that makes it difficult to access. Avoid mirrors or limit your time in front of them to reduce the temptation to pull. Consider using fidget toys or wearing gloves to create a physical barrier.

6. Practice Self-Care

Engaging in self-care activities can help reduce stress and improve overall well-being. Prioritize activities that promote relaxation, such as taking warm baths, practicing yoga, or engaging in hobbies you enjoy. Taking care of your physical and mental health can positively impact your ability to manage Trichotillomania.

7. Explore Therapy Options

Various therapy options can be beneficial in treating Trichotillomania. Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy (CBT) is commonly used to help individuals identify and modify negative thought patterns and behaviors associated with hair pulling. Habit Reversal Training (HRT) focuses on replacing hair pulling with alternative behaviors. Consider discussing these therapy options with your healthcare professional.

8. Be Patient and Persistent

Managing Trichotillomania is a journey that requires patience and persistence. It may take time to find the right treatment approach or coping strategies that work best for you. Remember to be kind to yourself and celebrate small victories along the way.

Living with Trichotillomania can be challenging, but with the right support and strategies, it is possible to lead a fulfilling life. Remember, you are not alone, and seeking help is the first step towards managing this condition effectively.

by Diseasemaps

You CAN be happy living with it. I found happiness once I learned to accept it as a part of me, and no longer feeling ashamed for it.

8/10/17 by Katlyn 1400

Yes you can be happy with trich but there are days when you look in the mirror and go ahhhh why me! Why do I do this to myself! But some days you couldn't care less, it makes us who we are.

8/10/17 by Lucyeleanor2601 2620

The best - and hardest thing, is to learn to accept yourself, condition and all. This took me years to do and it suddenly felt like it had far less power over me than it used to.

8/10/17 by Shirley 2150

Coping with Trich varies from person to person, and happily living with your condition depends on both your mental health, self confidence, and tactics. It is possible to be happy despite your condition, but for those that aren't, turning to wigs, microblading, or false eyelashes can give you back some lost confidence.

8/10/17 by Ellen 2161

This depends entirely on where you pull from, how severe it is, and what you personally think of it. For many people who suffer from trichotillomania, the biggest issue is the stigma and shame that comes with having bald spots, or no hair at all. For others, it's the pain that comes with repeated pulling of hairs, which often can bleed and scab. Many of us live with it by covering it up; using makeup to draw on eyebrows and mimick eyelashes, hair powders like toppik to cover bald spots, or wearing wigs. Although these are annoying to do every morning, being able to hide it helps us be confident in the way we present ourselves. But the biggest hurdle is learning to love yourself and being comfortable with it. Confidence and self-love work wonders.

8/11/17 by Sari 2050

I think you have to accept that trich is either part of you or accept that you will beat it. I personally have struggled to be happy while having the condition, but the weave system I wear has helped that as I have the impression of having a full head of hair. I find it very difficult to accept my condition and I think this is essential to be happy while having it.

8/12/17 by Catswithtatts 1650

Trichotillomania is a constant companion. The closest thing I can compare it to is an alcoholic who will never stop being an alcoholic even if they don't drink for 20 years. It's like that. You might not pull, but you still remember the pain of it. You pull and you seek help and comfort to sooth the pain. Family may or may not be supportive. I would suggest finding a support group. There, people with trich share their stories of their family or friends and you cry because you are jealous or you cry because they have such an awful family. Trichotillomania could make you lonely because you avoid people, or they avoid you. I really feel bad for the people who seek professional help and get judged unfairly. But, they share their stories of success, so you go on for another day. While I would be glad to have it gone, it has been a part of helping me become the person I am. Almost everyone I have interacted with who has trich is a very empathetic person. They are kind, generous, and patient, to name a few qualities. If I gained these through trich, it helped me be a better person. If I have trich because I have these things, I would not give them up to not have trich. Every person learns to live with it in their own way. But no one with trich is bad because they have trich. No one.

9/10/17 by Cynthia 1502

Accept yourself and never stop trying to pull. After an episode, don't beat yourself up about it. Wigs and hair extensions work really well to deter pulling For the brows, microblading will help Trichotillomania(TTM)Awareness and other Facebook groups were created to help encourage others suffering the same.

10/19/17 by Felicia@Face2FaceSpa 2000

You can be happy with trichotillomania. I am happy. I am successful. I have friends and family, a dog, a good job. I am okay. I came to terms with my pulling years ago, and that seems to be the thing I needed to do to be able to move on in my life and remember how to live life. I have no energy for this "pull free" racket many folks push. It took so much of my emotional and physical labour to be able to hate myself actively for every hair I pulled that one day I just up and decided I wasn't going to beat myself up anymore and that I was going to work towards loving me again. This is what you have to do to be happy first....just love yourself, be patient and kind to yourself and allow for mistakes .

10/20/17 by bennersk 2190

Your illness does not define you. You may be embarrased or angry, but it is only social convention that makes you feel those things. With hair or without, you are still beautiful. Live everyday like it’s your last, ignore the negativity and instead rise above it.

12/17/17 by Hannah 1000

Life is ups and downs, seek help please and let it all out. There are wonderful support groups that have made others' lives easier. You are beautiful inside out no matter what, those bald spots? What about them you're still rocking it! Always smile and be positive, no one will love you the way you love yourself! Surround yourself with positive people If you fail, that's definitely fine, we all have failed! You can always stand on your feet and go through it because you are strong, wonderful, beautiful, and deserve all the love in this universe ❤ Be patient, you'll learn that, after all having trichotillomania might not be all-negative after all D:

1/27/18 by Vee 2770

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