in hiding - please help if you can...

Hi,

I'm a regular poster with an increasingly serious problem that's embarassing as heck.

I cannot stop pulling my hair out. From my head. It started so suddenly about a week ago, and now I have bald patches on my scalp that are pretty obvious. My DH is very concerned.

I know it's called trichotillomania and i've researched it extensively over the past couple of days. BUT... does ANYONE out there have any experience with this? Either yourself or someone you know? I cannot possibly be the only one... and I just want insight from someone that's BDTD, either 1sthand or 2ndhand.

Thanks for reading.

-very ashamed poster

Re: in hiding - please help if you can...

Don't be ashamed. I don't have experience in it but, there is help out there. Why don't you start to see a therapist?

Re: in hiding - please help if you can...

Posted by sfp0701

Don't be ashamed. I don't have experience in it but, there is help out there. Why don't you start to see a therapist?

Re: in hiding - please help if you can...

First off, I am so sorry. I have no experience in this, but I would imagine it is related to anxiety. Are you going through a lot of stress right now? Or reoccuring thoughts? Again, I am so sorry and wish I could fix it for you :( its good you recognize it as an issue and are being proactive about getting help. We are all here for you, rooting for you!!

Re: in hiding - please help if you can...

I just looked this up! This is from the site www.trich.org. The first group has a meeting tomorrow in NYC!


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1

Manhattan / New York City
This peer support group for adults has been meeting weekly in Manhattan since 1996. We follow the standard TLC format of a 'check-in', followed by a general discussion. Each week, approximately 10-15 people attend. There is no requirement to come every week and new members are always welcome. The group is exclusively for people 18 and older who have trichotillomania and/or skin-picking (friends and family do not accompany members). There is no fee. Weekly meetings are Tuesday evenings from 7:00-8:30 pm and Saturdays 11:00-12:30 at a community center on the Upper East Side of Manhattan.

For more information contact Amy:
Email [email protected] and request to be added to the group's listserve or call group messaging service for meeting details at 212- 802-9496, leaving a detailed message with callback information. Or call Amy directly at (516) 672-3137.



2

New York City
New York Trichotillomania/Skin Picking Meetup Group
The New York Trichotillomania Meetup group is for people ages 18 and older who are living with trichotillomania or skin picking. The group will be facilitated by Clinical Psychologist and TLC member, Dr. Ori Shinar.

This is not a therapy group, but rather a venue to share experiences and connect with others affected by trichotillomania and/or skin picking. Dr. Shinar will also provide workshops and answer questions regarding trichotillomania research and treatment. If you are interested in learning more about the support group, or have any questions, please contact Dr. Shinar, or visit the websites below.

Dr. Shinar is a licensed psychologist with over 10 years experience treating hair pulling and skin picking.

contact: Dr. Ori Shinar
Advanced Behavioral Health, LLP
51 East 42nd St., Suite 812
New York, NY 10017
phone: 917-806-0155
email: [email protected]
ABH website: www.behaviortherapynyc.com

Re: in hiding - please help if you can...

You have FM

Re: in hiding - please help if you can...

Don't be embarrassed or feel guilty about it, it's more common than you think. I used to do it, started when I was 12/13, used it as a stress reliever/coping mechanism... it was like a drug high every time I'd pull, so I know how you feel, though I'm sure it sounds crazy to other people! I had to force myself to stop, little by little, because someone told me they could see my scalp through my hair & I realized it was getting bad. Pretty much all my hair grew back after I stopped, not quite as thick as it used to be, but pretty good, so it is reversible. I still get the urge very often so I just run my fingers through my hair if I have to, but no pulling.

I wish I could help you somehow. Do you know what brought this on? What made you start pulling all of a sudden? Something stressful? Maybe you can find other ways to get that relaxed feeling, without doing something destructive to your body. If not, you might just have to put a hat on & leave it on so you won't be as tempted. Or tie your hair up & just tell yourself NO I WILL NOT TOUCH IT. Eventually you can break the habit. It's hard I know, it's like nail biting, once you start, it's so hard to stop (I'm also a nail biter). Maybe some sort of behavioral therapy might help you. Or read about it online for some ideas. I wish I could help you better... please FM me if you'd like to talk about it more, I do understand what you're dealing with!!!!!

Re: in hiding - please help if you can...

thank you all for your responses.

i just went in the bathroom and held a mirror behind my head so i could see it, and it's BAD. i'm just sitting here in shock. i'm lucky i have a LOT of hair...

to answer the q's... i have been stressed lately but i can't really figure out why. my job is not any more stressful than it usally is. my marriage is great. we don't have kids and aren't ttc.

i'm an ex nail biter and i've started biting just my thumbnails within the past week also.

i sound like such a freak!!

and to the pp with the support groups info, THANK YOU!

Re: in hiding - please help if you can...

Please don't think you're a freak. Everyone goes through something in their life. We all do, we are only human and we go through good times and bad times. :)

Re: in hiding - please help if you can...

I know someone who does this. It's a form of obsessive compulsive disorder. Usually it starts early in life. You say that things are good so I'm not sure why this urge is occurring. People who have "Trichtilomania" usually do it bc they are highly stressed or anxious. I would speak to a counselor. Is there a certain time that your doing this? Try wearing gloves so it Will remind you not to pull. Good luck to you.

Re: in hiding - please help if you can...

There's a psychologist in Port Jefferson who specializes in Hypnotherapy - he's had great success with skin pickers - I imagine this would be along the same lines.
Dr. Crew

Re: in hiding - please help if you can...

You are definitely not a freak. We all deal with anxiety in different ways. You are pulling your hair, some people eat, some people pick at their face, some shake their leg up and down, I bite my nails. You are going to be fine, you will get the help you need and learn how to cope with it. Don't stress it right now, it's only going to make it worse. Your body is just trying to protect itself from some sort of an overload.

Re: in hiding - please help if you can...

Posted by Deedlebugs

You are definitely not a freak. We all deal with anxiety in different ways. You are pulling your hair, some people eat, some people pick at their face, some shake their leg up and down, I bite my nails. You are going to be fine, you will get the help you need and learn how to cope with it. Don't stress it right now, it's only going to make it worse. Your body is just trying to protect itself from some sort of an overload.

Re: in hiding - please help if you can...

This is very likely anxiety related. Just get in to see a therapist as soon as you can and know you are not the only person to go through this.

Re: in hiding - please help if you can...

A co-worker of mine has this issue, and it is a manifestation of stress. The therapist has them keeping a rubber band (or several) around their wrist and use that to expend the nervous energy (by snapping it against their skin). It seems to be working, and maybe something you can do until after the holiday?

BOL

Re: in hiding - please help if you can...

thanks to each and every one of you that has taken the time to read this. it means so much. my dh is worn out by it and i don't really blame him. it helps to talk and know that im not alone.

Re: in hiding - please help if you can...

nm

Message edited 9/4/2010 9:51:40 AM.

Re: in hiding - please help if you can...

just wanted to thank all of you again for your responses and FM's.