Can people with Trichotillomania work? What kind of work can they perform?

See how people with experience in Trichotillomania give their opinion about whether people with Trichotillomania can work and what kind of jobs are more appropriated for people with Trichotillomania


Trichotillomania is a disorder characterized by the irresistible urge to pull out one's hair, resulting in noticeable hair loss. It can be a challenging condition to live with, but it does not necessarily prevent individuals from being able to work and lead fulfilling professional lives.



People with trichotillomania can work in a variety of fields, depending on their individual circumstances and the severity of their symptoms. It is important to note that trichotillomania affects each person differently, and the impact on their ability to work can vary.



Individuals with trichotillomania can perform a wide range of jobs, as the disorder does not necessarily affect their cognitive abilities or skills. Many people with trichotillomania are highly intelligent, creative, and motivated individuals who can excel in their chosen professions.



Some individuals with trichotillomania may find it helpful to work in jobs that allow for flexibility and understanding. These can include freelance or remote work, where they have more control over their environment and can manage their symptoms more effectively. Working from home can provide a comfortable and stress-free environment, reducing the triggers that may lead to hair pulling.



Jobs that involve minimal social interaction can also be suitable for individuals with trichotillomania. These can include roles in research, data analysis, programming, or other positions that allow for more independent work. By minimizing social stressors, individuals with trichotillomania can focus on their tasks and manage their symptoms more effectively.



Furthermore, jobs that involve creativity and self-expression can be beneficial for individuals with trichotillomania. Engaging in artistic pursuits, such as graphic design, writing, painting, or music, can provide an outlet for self-expression and serve as a therapeutic activity to manage the urge to pull hair.



It is important for individuals with trichotillomania to seek support and develop coping strategies to manage their symptoms in the workplace. This can include therapy, support groups, or self-help techniques. By understanding their triggers and implementing effective coping mechanisms, individuals with trichotillomania can navigate their work environment successfully.



Employers can also play a crucial role in supporting individuals with trichotillomania. By fostering a supportive and understanding work environment, employers can help create accommodations that allow individuals to manage their symptoms effectively. This can include flexible work hours, private workspaces, or allowing for breaks when needed.



In conclusion, people with trichotillomania can work and excel in various professions. While the disorder presents unique challenges, individuals with trichotillomania can find success by choosing jobs that align with their strengths, preferences, and coping strategies. With the right support and accommodations, individuals with trichotillomania can lead fulfilling and productive professional lives.


by Diseasemaps

Yes, people with trich can work in any field. Every kind of profession that we prefer, we will do it with passion and effort. We are one of the strongest people ever known. The percentage of people with trich working is, probably, a 70%.

5/21/17 by Ksantamariar 600

Anyone with Trichotillomania is capable of working even though it may be difficult for our self esteem. There are ways to hide our disability with wigs or fake eyelashes but the hardest part is being able to see inside ourselves and continue to believe that we will beat this. I have been open about my trich to my employers and all of them have been extremely supportive and help to give that extra boost of positivity when I may be feeling low. People are more accepting of this than I once thought. It is a chance to also educate those who may not be familiar with trich.

6/14/17 by Jfeint87 325

Any work. It's not a handicap, however working in sweaty locations might not be good for make-up.

8/10/17 by Katlyn 1400

Yes we can work, I'm currently a care assistant I've been there for 4 months now, we can do what ever job we want.

8/10/17 by Lucyeleanor2601 2620

Of course they can work, in any area of their skillset or employment. I have been asked why I wear a head covering at jobs when first starting. Once I explain that I don't have much hair due to a medical condition, this is accepted. Perhaps the only job we would not do well in would be hairdressing models.

8/10/17 by Shirley 2150

Many trich afflicted will disguise their hair loss with wigs, makeup, hats and bandanas, or hair styles, and most will work and live normal lives with their bald spots disguised.

8/10/17 by Ellen 2161

People with trich tend to have multiple other diagnoses, usually lined to anxiety or depression. Those may prevent some from working; but the condition of trichotillomania itself should not physically bar one from working. But it can make it hard to socialize at work, etc.

8/10/17 by Theresa 970

No....We cannot work in alot of fields. Alot with the public would be an awful trigger for me. 6%

8/11/17 by Michele 990

Anybody can have a job with trichotillomania. It doesn't affect it.

8/11/17 by Grubz10 300

People with Trichotillomania are not limited in work, but rather by stigma that surrounds hair pulling and the associated bald spots it causes. One has to be careful because pulling constantly involves hand-to-skin contact, so jobs where the hands are covered in corrosive materials, or where health codes are in place (like handling food), are more tricky but not impossible. You just have to be more careful, ensuring your pulling doesn't break any codes or rules (wearing gloves, washing hands, etc.), nothing too complicated.

8/11/17 by Sari 2050

Trichotillomania will not stop you from being able to function in day to day life physically, so you can do anything you want. The emotional side of things however may have more of an impact and this is dependent on the individual. The condition itself however will not stop you from doing anything.

8/12/17 by Catswithtatts 1650

The only thing holding people back who have trichotillomania is themselves. Some people don't pull their head hair so they have a different social discomfort, but even people with bald spots technically can do any job they want to. The challenge is social. Most people have no clue and have a hard time dealing with it.

9/10/17 by Cynthia 1502

Yes, people with trich can work. It is not a debilitating disease.

10/18/17 by Tiffany 400

yes, Trichotillomania may make it difficult socially and it could be difficult to control urges, even in public places. It is only visible if left uncovered.Trichotillomania(TTM)Awareness and other Facebook groups were created to help encourage others suffering the same.

10/19/17 by Felicia@Face2FaceSpa 2000

Of course they can. There is no field they cannot work in. The hair pulling doesn't make you any less a painter, bus driver, or nuclear physicist. I personally thing that folks with BFRBS would benefit from hands-on type jobs, which would keep their hands busier and possibly result in less pulling.

10/20/17 by bennersk 2190

I am a cook and I love my job ! I wear a hat and I work hard physically , so anxiety levels are lower ... I’m 44 years old and this career has worked for me

12/16/17 by Jennifer 100

They can work in any field.

12/17/17 by Hannah 1000

Trichotillomania does not effect where a person works.

12/19/17 by Addison 400

People with trichotillomania live just as normal as anybody else, we can do the same tasks efficiently, but being distraction-free is quite harder.

1/27/18 by Vee 2770

Only Trichotollomania then an individual can work as normal, however it often includes side disorders such as anxiety and depression which can affect work.

5/25/18 by natasha 400

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