Whenever I have a pull episode, I always get fake nails. I don't know why, but it significantly reduces my pulling. I guess because fake nails prevent you from singling out specific hairs you want to pull.
When I pull I don't pull in chunks, but I pull one by one (maximum two but thats only when I thought I had one between my fingers). When I have fake nails, its much harder to single them out, and its not as enjoyable scratching. As well, long nails poke me in the eye when I try to get lashes, and that's a perfect indicator of when I pull. Everytime I reach for my eye I get this pain from my nails, which is perfect in altering behaviour, cuz it makes me aware of everytime I am doing it.
Wednesday, December 16, 2009
Tuesday, December 15, 2009
Study Shows Anti-Oxidant Reduces Pulling
"Fifty people were enrolled in a double blind 12-week study; half were given N-Acetylcysteine, an amino acid commonly found in health food supplements.
Patients were given 1,200 mg of N-Acetylcysteine every day for six weeks. For the following six weeks, the dosage was increased to 2,400 mg per day.
After nine weeks, those on the supplement had significantly reduced hair-pulling. By the end of the 12-week study, 56% reported feeling much better.."
Source: http://www.india-server.com/news/trichotillomania-can-be-restrained-8633.html
Patients were given 1,200 mg of N-Acetylcysteine every day for six weeks. For the following six weeks, the dosage was increased to 2,400 mg per day.
After nine weeks, those on the supplement had significantly reduced hair-pulling. By the end of the 12-week study, 56% reported feeling much better.."
Source: http://www.india-server.com/news/trichotillomania-can-be-restrained-8633.html
Wednesday, December 9, 2009
Lash Growth Stimulators For Bald Spots?
I know eyelash growth stimulators are designed for eyelashes, but I have also been using LiLash on the bald spot on my head, and I must be honest, my bald spot is slowly disappearing!!
In order to get the hair to start growing back, LiLash and other stimulators won't help, but once there is a hint of hair already growing back, even a millimetre, once you apply the stimulator the growth speed will really increase! (At least in my case, this will vary for everyone).
I'm starting to think stimulators help the hair grow, but don't start the growth itself. Once a hair is present, the stimulators simply strengthen the hair and help it grow. If there is no hair in the follicle, stimulators won't create one or speed up the process of a hair being created to grow.
In order to get the hair to start growing back, LiLash and other stimulators won't help, but once there is a hint of hair already growing back, even a millimetre, once you apply the stimulator the growth speed will really increase! (At least in my case, this will vary for everyone).
I'm starting to think stimulators help the hair grow, but don't start the growth itself. Once a hair is present, the stimulators simply strengthen the hair and help it grow. If there is no hair in the follicle, stimulators won't create one or speed up the process of a hair being created to grow.
LiLash Week 1
I'm am glad to say that my lashes are growing fast!! I apply LiLash about twice a day (once in the morning before makeup, and once right before bed).
They are growing like they usually would only at a faster rate. I haven't noticed any more thickness than how they usually are, but I am surprised they are growing as fast as they are!! I had absolutely no lashes on my left eye, and after about a week of using LiLash, certain areas are halfway to full and others are studded with hair roots.
Note: My hair naturally grows fast, so LiLash sped up the natural process. Those whose hair grows at a slower rate won't see results as quick as I did, but they will get faster growth than they usually do.
They are growing like they usually would only at a faster rate. I haven't noticed any more thickness than how they usually are, but I am surprised they are growing as fast as they are!! I had absolutely no lashes on my left eye, and after about a week of using LiLash, certain areas are halfway to full and others are studded with hair roots.
Note: My hair naturally grows fast, so LiLash sped up the natural process. Those whose hair grows at a slower rate won't see results as quick as I did, but they will get faster growth than they usually do.
Diet That Reduces Pulling
Apparently eating certain types of foods reduce the urges we get to pull, whereas other foods (such as chocolate) increase hair pulling. Hmmm.... what do you think?
http://www.trichotillomania.co.uk/Info/Food.htm
"Some consider trichotillomania to be an allergic reaction to the Mallesezia-yeast and that certain foods encourage growth of this yeast in the body. This causes an urge with some people to pull out their own hair."
"Psychoanalysts have suggested that pulling out hair is related to erotic wishes or unresolved life conflicts, or that hair pulling releases unsatisfied sexual tension or substitutes for masturbation. Other theories have suggested that hair pulling is an aggressive reaction against feelings of grief or rage or even against feelings of being deserted or unloved. "
Source:
http://www.diagnose-me.com/cond/C609743.html
http://www.trichotillomania.co.uk/Info/Food.htm
"Some consider trichotillomania to be an allergic reaction to the Mallesezia-yeast and that certain foods encourage growth of this yeast in the body. This causes an urge with some people to pull out their own hair."
"Psychoanalysts have suggested that pulling out hair is related to erotic wishes or unresolved life conflicts, or that hair pulling releases unsatisfied sexual tension or substitutes for masturbation. Other theories have suggested that hair pulling is an aggressive reaction against feelings of grief or rage or even against feelings of being deserted or unloved. "
Source:
http://www.diagnose-me.com/cond/C609743.html
Tuesday, December 8, 2009
Trich Genetic?
Ohh sweet controversy. Is it genetic? Is it behavioural? Is it both?
There have been many discussions on whether or not genes play any role. Trich seems to be more prominent among those with chemical imbalances. The chemical imbalances themselves do not cause the hair pulling, but the chemical imbalances can cause other mental struggles (like anxiety) in which coping methods include hair pulling. (This also makes sense why we pull more when we are stressed).
Do nail biters have a defected gene too? No, they bite because of stress, or anxiety. Trichotillomania is not a disease or a disorder, it is a response to something else, and this "something else" can be a variety of things such as trauma, OCD and most commonly anxiety. The tricky part is that therapies for these other conditions are not as useful with trich. Why is this?
Because Trich is not a mental illness, thus it cannot be treated like one. Trich is the result of something else, and we have to figure out what this something else is in order to get help.
The likely culprit? Anxiety.
Works Cited: http://www.wisegeek.com/what-is-trichotillomania.htm
There have been many discussions on whether or not genes play any role. Trich seems to be more prominent among those with chemical imbalances. The chemical imbalances themselves do not cause the hair pulling, but the chemical imbalances can cause other mental struggles (like anxiety) in which coping methods include hair pulling. (This also makes sense why we pull more when we are stressed).
Do nail biters have a defected gene too? No, they bite because of stress, or anxiety. Trichotillomania is not a disease or a disorder, it is a response to something else, and this "something else" can be a variety of things such as trauma, OCD and most commonly anxiety. The tricky part is that therapies for these other conditions are not as useful with trich. Why is this?
Because Trich is not a mental illness, thus it cannot be treated like one. Trich is the result of something else, and we have to figure out what this something else is in order to get help.
The likely culprit? Anxiety.
Works Cited: http://www.wisegeek.com/what-is-trichotillomania.htm
Trich & OCD
Interestingly enough, Trichsters don't respond as well to OCD medication than those who suffer with OCD itself, suggesting that Trich isn't as similar to OCD as previously thought. As well, cognitive-behavioural therapies for OCD are not as successful in Trich patients.
Cognitive-behavioural therapy involves resisting the urge to compulse. The anxiety goes up (because the patient is not compulsing) and eventually the anxiety goes down. When this same pattern is repeated with Trichsters, the anxiety does not decrease, but continues to increase until hair is pulled.
This seems to beg the question, is hair pulling then the problem? Or is anxiety itself the problem? OCD patients compulse because they have fearful thoughts such as , "If I don't do this a number of times, something bad will happen." Trichsters however do not engage in any fearful thoughts, quite the contrary they feel remorse after pulling.
On a personal note, I think that if anxiety can be under control, then pulling can be under control. I'm beginning to think that trying to resist hair pulling is not the solution, but trying to rid of anxiety is (by other means than pulling).
Works Cited:
http://www.biomedcentral.com/1471-244X/5/2
Cognitive-behavioural therapy involves resisting the urge to compulse. The anxiety goes up (because the patient is not compulsing) and eventually the anxiety goes down. When this same pattern is repeated with Trichsters, the anxiety does not decrease, but continues to increase until hair is pulled.
This seems to beg the question, is hair pulling then the problem? Or is anxiety itself the problem? OCD patients compulse because they have fearful thoughts such as , "If I don't do this a number of times, something bad will happen." Trichsters however do not engage in any fearful thoughts, quite the contrary they feel remorse after pulling.
On a personal note, I think that if anxiety can be under control, then pulling can be under control. I'm beginning to think that trying to resist hair pulling is not the solution, but trying to rid of anxiety is (by other means than pulling).
Works Cited:
http://www.biomedcentral.com/1471-244X/5/2
Trich Caused By Child Abuse?
Theories are now suggesting that Trich is caused (or even triggered) by some sort of physical or emotional child abuse; that compulsive hair pulling is a way of coping with "unconscious conflict". Interesting.
Source: http://www.minddisorders.com/Py-Z/Trichotillomania.html
Source: http://www.minddisorders.com/Py-Z/Trichotillomania.html
Youngest Trich Case
I have recently found an online group for sufferers of trichotillomania, and this has been by far the youngest case I have personally witnessed. The little girl started pulling when she was 18 months, and after seeing photos, she is entirely bald because she had pulled all her hair. Poor child.
Friday, December 4, 2009
LiLash Trial #1
After one use, well obviously nothing happened, but I did get some eye redness. It wasn't itchy or irritating, at the most it was dry, but thats because I don't actually have any lashes on my left eye, so when I applied to liquid, it kind of run down to my eye.
Anywho, I guess in 3 weeks we will know.
P.S I also heard that RevitiLash is pretty good as well. Ill give that one a try once i'm done with this tube.
Anywho, I guess in 3 weeks we will know.
P.S I also heard that RevitiLash is pretty good as well. Ill give that one a try once i'm done with this tube.
Wednesday, December 2, 2009
Earliest Trich Case?
Earliest known case of trichotillomania (or rather, the earliest diagnosis of trichotillomania) was in 1889 by a greek dermatologist.
Source: http://emedicine.medscape.com/article/915057-overview
The earliest mention of pulling out hair was in ancient Greek works of Hippocrates.
"...Next we must note whether he plucks his hair, scratches or weeps."
Source:
http://books.google.ca/books?id=59ZNHpio5eEC&pg=PA3&lpg=PA3&dq=earliest+case+of+trichotillomania&source=bl&ots=ID7vq_7GYz&sig=hAXQfQxXEq6K9jhcMYTfp15H4JY&hl=en&ei=ftgWS9nOONHTngevx-TmBg&sa=X&oi=book_result&ct=result&resnum=5&ved=0CBsQ6AEwBA#v=onepage&q=earliest%20case%20of%20trichotillomania&f=false
Source: http://emedicine.medscape.com/article/915057-overview
The earliest mention of pulling out hair was in ancient Greek works of Hippocrates.
"...Next we must note whether he plucks his hair, scratches or weeps."
Source:
http://books.google.ca/books?id=59ZNHpio5eEC&pg=PA3&lpg=PA3&dq=earliest+case+of+trichotillomania&source=bl&ots=ID7vq_7GYz&sig=hAXQfQxXEq6K9jhcMYTfp15H4JY&hl=en&ei=ftgWS9nOONHTngevx-TmBg&sa=X&oi=book_result&ct=result&resnum=5&ved=0CBsQ6AEwBA#v=onepage&q=earliest%20case%20of%20trichotillomania&f=false
Monday, November 30, 2009
HairTopia
HairTopia is a hair growth suppliment that is apparently the "best" growth suppliment there is out there. Unfortunately, they do not ship to Canada, so I will not be able to recieve a bottle or two, but I would reccomend it for faster hair growth.
It also strengthens nails and they grow at a faster speed as well. Any opinions or reviews on this product are welcome.
It also strengthens nails and they grow at a faster speed as well. Any opinions or reviews on this product are welcome.
LiLash
After reading many reviews online, it seems that LiLash is the best eyelash growth & stimulator out there. I ordered a tube (very expensive, 130$) and will recieve it within the week.
I read that results show within the 3rd week of usage. I hope this is so. I will update you on it once I know myself, first hand.
I read that results show within the 3rd week of usage. I hope this is so. I will update you on it once I know myself, first hand.
My Secret To Not Pulling
I always wash my hair.
Even if its clean, the moment i start to pull, I hop in the shower, shampoo, conditioner, and all the other hair products I have. I moisterize, recondition, brush, hair mask and stay in the shower until my urges go away. Its not easy to pull your hair when its wet, and I dont find it as enjoyable either.
Tip: Always wash your hair in cool water, its flattens the follicles and they dont fall out. When you wash your hair with really hot water (even though it feels amazing on sores) it loosens the hair and they weaken and are more likely to fall out afterwards when you brush.
Even if its clean, the moment i start to pull, I hop in the shower, shampoo, conditioner, and all the other hair products I have. I moisterize, recondition, brush, hair mask and stay in the shower until my urges go away. Its not easy to pull your hair when its wet, and I dont find it as enjoyable either.
Tip: Always wash your hair in cool water, its flattens the follicles and they dont fall out. When you wash your hair with really hot water (even though it feels amazing on sores) it loosens the hair and they weaken and are more likely to fall out afterwards when you brush.
Sunday, November 29, 2009
New Years Resolution
I will not pull, not because its bad, but because I don't want to.
I will fight the urges, I will beat the temptations, and I will feel great every time I do.
I will not regret relapses, but I will learn from them.
I will become more aware of when I pull, so that I can change the pattern to stop.
I will keep my hands busy, and find a hobbie that involves doing so (ie: chatrooms and typing).
I will not pull because that is my New Years resolution, and everyone always wants to start fresh.
I will fight the urges, I will beat the temptations, and I will feel great every time I do.
I will not regret relapses, but I will learn from them.
I will become more aware of when I pull, so that I can change the pattern to stop.
I will keep my hands busy, and find a hobbie that involves doing so (ie: chatrooms and typing).
I will not pull because that is my New Years resolution, and everyone always wants to start fresh.
Friday, November 27, 2009
Tricks To Be Aware Of When You Pull
1. Hand Constrictions
Gloves, tape on your fingers, even fake nails help in making you aware of when you pull. You do it as a habit, but when you become aware of when you pull, you can break the pattern.
2. Hair Constrictions
Wear hats, scarves, your hair up, a clip in the specific area where you pull, put vasaline on your eyelashes or brows. Again, something to make you aware. If you change the texture of where you pull, you will notice when you go for it.
3. Change the environment in which you pull
If you pull in your bed, try sitting on the other end, try not sitting/lying in the position that you do when you pull. If you pull at a particular time in the day, try to occupy yourself. For instance, cooking is a good example. You cannto pull while you cook, and no one wants hair in their food.
You not only need to keep your hands busy, but your mind as well. If you pull while you study, perhaps try studying in a public place, like a cafe or library. If you tend to do it when you find yourself alone, or when reading or watching tv, try using constrictions.
4. Research it.
I find then when I feel I want to pull, I write about trich, or I do research. Im still thinking and reading about trich, but im becoming more aware, im not pulling. Even if its relapse stories, simply putting your mind to trich and not your hands, is a great help.
5. Write It.
Why do you want to pull? What will happen if you dont?
Gloves, tape on your fingers, even fake nails help in making you aware of when you pull. You do it as a habit, but when you become aware of when you pull, you can break the pattern.
2. Hair Constrictions
Wear hats, scarves, your hair up, a clip in the specific area where you pull, put vasaline on your eyelashes or brows. Again, something to make you aware. If you change the texture of where you pull, you will notice when you go for it.
3. Change the environment in which you pull
If you pull in your bed, try sitting on the other end, try not sitting/lying in the position that you do when you pull. If you pull at a particular time in the day, try to occupy yourself. For instance, cooking is a good example. You cannto pull while you cook, and no one wants hair in their food.
You not only need to keep your hands busy, but your mind as well. If you pull while you study, perhaps try studying in a public place, like a cafe or library. If you tend to do it when you find yourself alone, or when reading or watching tv, try using constrictions.
4. Research it.
I find then when I feel I want to pull, I write about trich, or I do research. Im still thinking and reading about trich, but im becoming more aware, im not pulling. Even if its relapse stories, simply putting your mind to trich and not your hands, is a great help.
5. Write It.
Why do you want to pull? What will happen if you dont?
Monday, November 23, 2009
Celebrities with Trich
Victoria Beckham was seen with strange patches of hair loss. Not severe trich, but enough to be obvious.
Kate Beckinsale was seen many times with bald spots on the crown of her head. It was rumoured that it was from "stress". Well it was. But it didnt fall out on its own.
Naomi Campbell's famous bald spots are world renown. Due to the lack of awareness of trichotillomania, the public still cannot figure out why she has this severe hair loss and in the form that she does.
It is also rumoured that the famous Paris Hilton has a bald spot on the crown of her head, but hires very professional, very high end hair stylists to cover this up. You can find several pictures of her visible extensions in that area of her head.
Fergie from the Black Eyed Peas with increasing gap in her part. Notice also in the first photograph she is missing eyelashes on her left eye, whereas she has thick, long lashes on her right.
Pulling In Historical Text
The Bible
Ezra 9:3 (Old Testament)
When I heard this, I tore my tunic and cloak, pulled hair from my head and beard and sat down appalled.
Isaiah 50 v6
I offered my back to those who beat me, my cheeks to those who pulled out my beard; I did not hide my face from mocking and spitting.
Luke 12: 6-8
"Are not five sparrows sold for two pennies? And not one of them is forgotten before God. Why, even the hairs of your head are all numbered. Fear not; you are of more value than many sparrows."
Shakespeare
Much Ado About Nothing (Play, 1599)
Act 2, Scene 3
Claudio:
Then down upon her knees she falls, weeps, sobs, beats her heart, tears her hair, prays, curses 'O sweet Benedick! God give me patience!'
The Tragedy Of Romeo And Juliet (Play, 1595)
Act 3, Scene 3
Romeo:
Then mightst thou speak, then mightst thou tear thy hair,
And fall upon the ground, as I do now,
Taking the measure of an unmade grave.
Other Shakespeare references to hair pulling:
The Tragedy Of Titus Andronicus (Play, 1594)
Act 3, Scene 1
The Rape of Lucrece (Poem, 1594)
line 1120
The Life and Death of King John (Play, 1597)
Act 3, Scene 4
Homer's The Illiad (c.750 BC) (Lang et al. 1945, pp. 165-166)
"... but whensoever to the ships he glanced and to the host of Achaians, then rent he many a clean lock forth from his head, to Zeus that is above, and gently moaned his noble heart."
"The Discourses" by Epictetus (101 AD), Book 3, Chapter 1
"Indeed I think that the men who pluck out their hairs do what they do without knowing what they do."
"The Discourses" by Epictetus (101 AD), Book 3, Chapter 22
"But neither was Agamemnon happy, though he was a better man than Sardanapalus and Nero; but while others are snoring what is he doing? 'Much from his head he tore his rooted hair.' And what does he say himself? 'I am perplexed,' he says, 'and disturbed I am,' and 'my heart out of my bosom is leaping.'"
Chinese Proverb
You cannot prevent the birds of sorrow from flying over your head, but you can prevent them from building nests in your hair. (prevent growing hair by pulling)
In India there is an age-old expression which translates as, "I got so frustrated, I plucked the hair of my head."
Original link: http://www.trichotillomaniauk.com/page10.htm
Ezra 9:3 (Old Testament)
When I heard this, I tore my tunic and cloak, pulled hair from my head and beard and sat down appalled.
Isaiah 50 v6
I offered my back to those who beat me, my cheeks to those who pulled out my beard; I did not hide my face from mocking and spitting.
Luke 12: 6-8
"Are not five sparrows sold for two pennies? And not one of them is forgotten before God. Why, even the hairs of your head are all numbered. Fear not; you are of more value than many sparrows."
Shakespeare
Much Ado About Nothing (Play, 1599)
Act 2, Scene 3
Claudio:
Then down upon her knees she falls, weeps, sobs, beats her heart, tears her hair, prays, curses 'O sweet Benedick! God give me patience!'
The Tragedy Of Romeo And Juliet (Play, 1595)
Act 3, Scene 3
Romeo:
Then mightst thou speak, then mightst thou tear thy hair,
And fall upon the ground, as I do now,
Taking the measure of an unmade grave.
Other Shakespeare references to hair pulling:
The Tragedy Of Titus Andronicus (Play, 1594)
Act 3, Scene 1
The Rape of Lucrece (Poem, 1594)
line 1120
The Life and Death of King John (Play, 1597)
Act 3, Scene 4
Homer's The Illiad (c.750 BC) (Lang et al. 1945, pp. 165-166)
"... but whensoever to the ships he glanced and to the host of Achaians, then rent he many a clean lock forth from his head, to Zeus that is above, and gently moaned his noble heart."
"The Discourses" by Epictetus (101 AD), Book 3, Chapter 1
"Indeed I think that the men who pluck out their hairs do what they do without knowing what they do."
"The Discourses" by Epictetus (101 AD), Book 3, Chapter 22
"But neither was Agamemnon happy, though he was a better man than Sardanapalus and Nero; but while others are snoring what is he doing? 'Much from his head he tore his rooted hair.' And what does he say himself? 'I am perplexed,' he says, 'and disturbed I am,' and 'my heart out of my bosom is leaping.'"
Chinese Proverb
You cannot prevent the birds of sorrow from flying over your head, but you can prevent them from building nests in your hair. (prevent growing hair by pulling)
In India there is an age-old expression which translates as, "I got so frustrated, I plucked the hair of my head."
Original link: http://www.trichotillomaniauk.com/page10.htm
Sunday, November 22, 2009
Dont Regret Relapses
We've all been there.
After having lots of new growth, and our bald spots were recovering, and our lashes started to grow, we pulled them all out. We were so anxious, so stressed, some situation or emotion caused us to rip it all out, and we sit there, crying and regretting what we had just done, thinking to ourself "What have I done, I have ruined everything."
Relapses are not bad. Relapses teach us what it feels like to stall recovery. Relapses make us feel like crap, no doubt. Why bother trying now? Its all gone to shit anyway.
No it hasn't. Relapsing is part of the recovery process. We all have this distorted image in our heads, that recover is pulling less and less, and resisting more and more, until we have beautiful lashes and wonderful thick hair.
Im sorry to tell you, but thats bull.
Recovery includes relapsing, and guilt, and remose. Relapsing includes everything we feel after having a pull episode. We all try and avoid relapsing, but the truth is, no one can really prevent it.
We think that relapsing brings us back to square one, to restart the entire process. It doesn't. Even though our hairs are back to what they were when we started recovering, doesnt mean the recovery process itself has to start over.
The point here is to break the pattern.
Instead of thinking "Pulling is bad, dont pull" you should think more along the lines of "I have a choice. I can pull, but if I pull, I will lose hair that is regrowing. If I dont pull, then those hairs will continue to grow and just might even save a few more".
I had a relapse a few weeks ago, and I am still recovering from it. Its a shitty feeling because it takes only a few minutes to cause enough damage that takes months to repair.
On the bright side, its growing. Its not all back, and I still have to hide it, but its growing. My hair is longer than it was yesterday, and it will be even longer tomorrow.
After having lots of new growth, and our bald spots were recovering, and our lashes started to grow, we pulled them all out. We were so anxious, so stressed, some situation or emotion caused us to rip it all out, and we sit there, crying and regretting what we had just done, thinking to ourself "What have I done, I have ruined everything."
Relapses are not bad. Relapses teach us what it feels like to stall recovery. Relapses make us feel like crap, no doubt. Why bother trying now? Its all gone to shit anyway.
No it hasn't. Relapsing is part of the recovery process. We all have this distorted image in our heads, that recover is pulling less and less, and resisting more and more, until we have beautiful lashes and wonderful thick hair.
Im sorry to tell you, but thats bull.
Recovery includes relapsing, and guilt, and remose. Relapsing includes everything we feel after having a pull episode. We all try and avoid relapsing, but the truth is, no one can really prevent it.
We think that relapsing brings us back to square one, to restart the entire process. It doesn't. Even though our hairs are back to what they were when we started recovering, doesnt mean the recovery process itself has to start over.
The point here is to break the pattern.
Instead of thinking "Pulling is bad, dont pull" you should think more along the lines of "I have a choice. I can pull, but if I pull, I will lose hair that is regrowing. If I dont pull, then those hairs will continue to grow and just might even save a few more".
I had a relapse a few weeks ago, and I am still recovering from it. Its a shitty feeling because it takes only a few minutes to cause enough damage that takes months to repair.
On the bright side, its growing. Its not all back, and I still have to hide it, but its growing. My hair is longer than it was yesterday, and it will be even longer tomorrow.
Mandis Experience
During her therapy, Mandi was very resistant. She felt that being treated meant that something was wrong with her, with shot down her confidence even more.
We can all relate to her when she says that not having hair makes her feel ugly. The therapist asked her what it would mean to her if she had a full head of hair, and I was surprised when she said she hadn't even thought about it. What this means is that her thought processes are so invoked, so embalmed in trichotillomania, that she doesnt even think about the results of recovery.
Her main goal to recover was to no longer feel guilty, to not feel remorse after pulling. First off, may I say that she is a beautiful woman, and hair or not, I thought she was a beautiful person. Regardless, after her therapy to which she was resistant, I am glad to say that in her video diaries she said that she now had all the tools to recover, she just had to apply them.
I think that most of our goals to recover are to NOT pull. This focuses on the negative. We should NOT pull, pulling is BAD, pulling RUINS us, pulling makes us UGLY. I think we should shift our ways of thinking. Instead of thinking these things, we should think "I will have my own hair", "My hair will grow", "Trich isnt bad, its a good indicator of when I am stressed or emotional, and trich will tell me before anything else."
Unlike from what I have heard before, Mandi did not recover (in the episode) however I do not know how she is doing now. She struggled and struggled, but she did have new growth. She did have improvements, and thats whats important. The process is a slow one, but its step by step. We cant just stop pulling tomorrow and have a full head of head in a few months.
Every small improvement counts. Even not pulling right now.
We can all relate to her when she says that not having hair makes her feel ugly. The therapist asked her what it would mean to her if she had a full head of hair, and I was surprised when she said she hadn't even thought about it. What this means is that her thought processes are so invoked, so embalmed in trichotillomania, that she doesnt even think about the results of recovery.
Her main goal to recover was to no longer feel guilty, to not feel remorse after pulling. First off, may I say that she is a beautiful woman, and hair or not, I thought she was a beautiful person. Regardless, after her therapy to which she was resistant, I am glad to say that in her video diaries she said that she now had all the tools to recover, she just had to apply them.
I think that most of our goals to recover are to NOT pull. This focuses on the negative. We should NOT pull, pulling is BAD, pulling RUINS us, pulling makes us UGLY. I think we should shift our ways of thinking. Instead of thinking these things, we should think "I will have my own hair", "My hair will grow", "Trich isnt bad, its a good indicator of when I am stressed or emotional, and trich will tell me before anything else."
Unlike from what I have heard before, Mandi did not recover (in the episode) however I do not know how she is doing now. She struggled and struggled, but she did have new growth. She did have improvements, and thats whats important. The process is a slow one, but its step by step. We cant just stop pulling tomorrow and have a full head of head in a few months.
Every small improvement counts. Even not pulling right now.
You Will Not Wear Wigs Or Fake Lashes. This Is Why.
From the many trich cases that I have seen, trichsters learn to hide their trichotillomania.
They wear wigs, or extensions, or fake lashes. Let me tell you why you don't want to do this. In the clip below (my preiouvs entry) you will hear a sufferer say that wearing wigs enabled her to hide her trich, thus allowing her to pull more.
Why is this significant? Because if we can hide it, then we won't feel embarassed or ashamed. If we can hide it, then no one will find out. That means its okay if we pull a few more hairs, cuz no one will know anyways.
Let me tell you a personal story. When i was 12 I had my first, huge bald spot on the top of my head. I hid it very well, but one day when I got out of the shower, my mother noticed.
She threatened to take me to a hair salon and cut my hair boy short. She said that if my hair was boy short, then everyone would see my problem, and I wouldnt be able to hide it in pony tails.
She gave me a week, then checked my head to see if there was any further damage and if the baby hairs were growing back out.
This threat to be "exposed" and revealed scared me so much, that within the next 2 months I grew back all the hair that I had pulled. Knowing that someone will find out drives us more to try and recover. I am not saying get someone to threaten you, of course not!! But making it easier to hide just gives us a relief that no one will find out. This relief tells our trich that pulling is not so bad.
I am not embarassed of my trich, I am not ashamed of it. But that does not mean that I want the whole world to know. Its a personal battle, and I can fight it without wigs or fake lashes. I don't need them, all I need is me.
They wear wigs, or extensions, or fake lashes. Let me tell you why you don't want to do this. In the clip below (my preiouvs entry) you will hear a sufferer say that wearing wigs enabled her to hide her trich, thus allowing her to pull more.
Why is this significant? Because if we can hide it, then we won't feel embarassed or ashamed. If we can hide it, then no one will find out. That means its okay if we pull a few more hairs, cuz no one will know anyways.
Let me tell you a personal story. When i was 12 I had my first, huge bald spot on the top of my head. I hid it very well, but one day when I got out of the shower, my mother noticed.
She threatened to take me to a hair salon and cut my hair boy short. She said that if my hair was boy short, then everyone would see my problem, and I wouldnt be able to hide it in pony tails.
She gave me a week, then checked my head to see if there was any further damage and if the baby hairs were growing back out.
This threat to be "exposed" and revealed scared me so much, that within the next 2 months I grew back all the hair that I had pulled. Knowing that someone will find out drives us more to try and recover. I am not saying get someone to threaten you, of course not!! But making it easier to hide just gives us a relief that no one will find out. This relief tells our trich that pulling is not so bad.
I am not embarassed of my trich, I am not ashamed of it. But that does not mean that I want the whole world to know. Its a personal battle, and I can fight it without wigs or fake lashes. I don't need them, all I need is me.
Mandi
I purchased the episode of Obsessed where Mandi has severe trichotillomania. This episode follows her as she seeks therapy to try and recover from her condition.
Here is a preview.
I will write later, afer watching the episode, of her progresses, and the methods of her therapy.
P.S In this preview you hear her say "Its not because we want to, its because I can't". This is how the trichster thinks. This is what trich tells you. May I add that from what I have heard, Mandi is on her way to recovery, and is doing very well, pulling less and growing her hair.
Listen to me, we CAN. Trich tells us we can't, but we can. If a case as severe as this one is already recovering, then the rest of us can too. Part of behavioural therapy is changing the way you think. I am studying psych, and in one unit we covered anxiety disorders. Trichotillomania is a cognitive-behavioural disorder. What this means is that it is our thoughts that cause the abnormal behaviour, and our shift in thinking will change the behaviour that is derived from this thinking.
If Mandi is on her way to recovery, then the rest of us most certainly can recover. Remember, we can. Trich tell us we cant, but thats trich. Trich cant stop pulling, but we can, and we are more than just trich, we are beautiful, complicated human beings with hobbies and pet peeves, with personalities and friends and families. We are us, not trich.
We can.
Here is a preview.
I will write later, afer watching the episode, of her progresses, and the methods of her therapy.
P.S In this preview you hear her say "Its not because we want to, its because I can't". This is how the trichster thinks. This is what trich tells you. May I add that from what I have heard, Mandi is on her way to recovery, and is doing very well, pulling less and growing her hair.
Listen to me, we CAN. Trich tells us we can't, but we can. If a case as severe as this one is already recovering, then the rest of us can too. Part of behavioural therapy is changing the way you think. I am studying psych, and in one unit we covered anxiety disorders. Trichotillomania is a cognitive-behavioural disorder. What this means is that it is our thoughts that cause the abnormal behaviour, and our shift in thinking will change the behaviour that is derived from this thinking.
If Mandi is on her way to recovery, then the rest of us most certainly can recover. Remember, we can. Trich tell us we cant, but thats trich. Trich cant stop pulling, but we can, and we are more than just trich, we are beautiful, complicated human beings with hobbies and pet peeves, with personalities and friends and families. We are us, not trich.
We can.
Obsessed
http://www.aetv.com/obsessed/video/index.jsp?bcpid=21711659001&bclid=26244816001&bctid=33667698001
http://www.aetv.com/obsessed/video/index.jsp?bcpid=21711659001&bclid=26244816001&bctid=33667698001
http://www.aetv.com/obsessed/video/index.jsp?bcpid=21711659001&bclid=26244816001&bctid=33667698001
Saturday, November 21, 2009
Write It
Everytime you have the urge to pull, write it down. Write down:
Why you want to pull?
What will happen if you don't pull?
How anxious do you feel right now because you are resisting?
Where do you want to pull?
Why do you want to pull from that particular place? Is it itchy? Is it sore?
Why you don't want to pull, and how you will feel if you resist.
By the time you're done writing all of this down, you will feel much better. Don't be shy on detail, write as much as you possibly can. Everytime you have the urge to pull, reread what you wrote, or write it again. You will be surprised at how effective it is.
If you do end up pulling, write down:
Why did you pull?
How does it feel now that you have pulled?
Has your anxiety gone down?
Do you want to pull again?
Why do you want to pull again?
Is it in the same spot? In surrounding areas?
Do you want to scratch a sore and end up pulling?
Does the texture of the root bother you?
The reason to ask yourself all these questions is to become aware. Instead of just pulling, or telling yourself its bad to pull, understand why you are doing it. Become concious of how and when you do it. When you catch yourself pulling, dont immediately feel guilty. Instead ask yourself: Okay, I am starting to pull. Thats a sign that something is going on. Am I depressed? Am I anxious? Why do I feel these things?
Trich can be a friend. It can be good. It can indicate when something is wrong, it can be the first to know. Use it to your advantage.
Why you want to pull?
What will happen if you don't pull?
How anxious do you feel right now because you are resisting?
Where do you want to pull?
Why do you want to pull from that particular place? Is it itchy? Is it sore?
Why you don't want to pull, and how you will feel if you resist.
By the time you're done writing all of this down, you will feel much better. Don't be shy on detail, write as much as you possibly can. Everytime you have the urge to pull, reread what you wrote, or write it again. You will be surprised at how effective it is.
If you do end up pulling, write down:
Why did you pull?
How does it feel now that you have pulled?
Has your anxiety gone down?
Do you want to pull again?
Why do you want to pull again?
Is it in the same spot? In surrounding areas?
Do you want to scratch a sore and end up pulling?
Does the texture of the root bother you?
The reason to ask yourself all these questions is to become aware. Instead of just pulling, or telling yourself its bad to pull, understand why you are doing it. Become concious of how and when you do it. When you catch yourself pulling, dont immediately feel guilty. Instead ask yourself: Okay, I am starting to pull. Thats a sign that something is going on. Am I depressed? Am I anxious? Why do I feel these things?
Trich can be a friend. It can be good. It can indicate when something is wrong, it can be the first to know. Use it to your advantage.
What You Should Remember
I want to pull.
No, Trich wants you to pull.
I need to pull.
No you dont, you just think you do. Once you start, you won't be able to stop. You can prevent pulling a few 10 hairs right now.
It is so tempting, I can't help myself. Maybe ill just scratch my scalp?
Scratching can lead those little, tiny baby hairs that are just starting to grow out to weaken. Scratching is better than pulling, but scratching also brings you closer to pulling.
This is so diffult.
I know. I know. It's not easy, but those baby hairs wants to grow :)
But this feeling wont go away until I pull.
It will, I promise.
No, Trich wants you to pull.
I need to pull.
No you dont, you just think you do. Once you start, you won't be able to stop. You can prevent pulling a few 10 hairs right now.
It is so tempting, I can't help myself. Maybe ill just scratch my scalp?
Scratching can lead those little, tiny baby hairs that are just starting to grow out to weaken. Scratching is better than pulling, but scratching also brings you closer to pulling.
This is so diffult.
I know. I know. It's not easy, but those baby hairs wants to grow :)
But this feeling wont go away until I pull.
It will, I promise.
Friday, November 20, 2009
Pulling is not the problem.
Control is.
Its an urge, such a tempting urge that our hands automatically lift up to our faces and heads. Our trich is telling us to pull, to give in. I'll just pull once, just one hair, thats it. I just need to satisfy the urge just a bit, so that its not so bad. Just one hair and i'll be done with it.
No, you won't. You and I both know that once we start, it will be very difficult to stop. But why do we allow this excuse? How many times have you pulled only ONE hair? How many times has trich told you, "One is enough, now you can relax"?
Trich is our subconcious drug that whispers to our fingers to reach out to those hairs and seduce them into release. It just feels so good.
Trich laughs at us. It gives us such pleasure after the pull. The devil that offers the easy way out. Just a few pulls and you will be anxiety free! No more anxious thoughts about bringing those fingers to your scalp. Just do it and that feeling will vanish! I assure you.
And why do we give in if we suffer so much from the guilt?
Because anxiety and depression, boredom and stress, urges and temptations are worse. Because we would rather pull a few hairs then let our feelings marinate in our hands, our scalps or our lash lines. Because getting rid of the urge is better than sitting in it. And that it why it's so difficult to quit.
Trich is powerful, and we hate to admit it. We hate to admit that we love that amazing feeling when that root slips out of the follicle, even if it's just for a moment.
Trich is a selfish, powerful pull with everything in its sight: our feelings, our progresses, our regresses. Trich watches our every move, our every thought. Trich can control us.
But we are NOT diseased, we are NOT mentally ill or deprived. We are NOT powerless.
We are sufferers. Sufferers of the equivalent nail biter, or overeater, or skin picker. Only our troubles aim at something else. Something a bit more obvious, something that is less socially acceptable. But there are so many of us. It's not just 2-5% of the population.
Are you statistically counted? Neither am I.
You are not alone. You never were and you never will be.
Its an urge, such a tempting urge that our hands automatically lift up to our faces and heads. Our trich is telling us to pull, to give in. I'll just pull once, just one hair, thats it. I just need to satisfy the urge just a bit, so that its not so bad. Just one hair and i'll be done with it.
No, you won't. You and I both know that once we start, it will be very difficult to stop. But why do we allow this excuse? How many times have you pulled only ONE hair? How many times has trich told you, "One is enough, now you can relax"?
Trich is our subconcious drug that whispers to our fingers to reach out to those hairs and seduce them into release. It just feels so good.
Trich laughs at us. It gives us such pleasure after the pull. The devil that offers the easy way out. Just a few pulls and you will be anxiety free! No more anxious thoughts about bringing those fingers to your scalp. Just do it and that feeling will vanish! I assure you.
And why do we give in if we suffer so much from the guilt?
Because anxiety and depression, boredom and stress, urges and temptations are worse. Because we would rather pull a few hairs then let our feelings marinate in our hands, our scalps or our lash lines. Because getting rid of the urge is better than sitting in it. And that it why it's so difficult to quit.
Trich is powerful, and we hate to admit it. We hate to admit that we love that amazing feeling when that root slips out of the follicle, even if it's just for a moment.
Trich is a selfish, powerful pull with everything in its sight: our feelings, our progresses, our regresses. Trich watches our every move, our every thought. Trich can control us.
But we are NOT diseased, we are NOT mentally ill or deprived. We are NOT powerless.
We are sufferers. Sufferers of the equivalent nail biter, or overeater, or skin picker. Only our troubles aim at something else. Something a bit more obvious, something that is less socially acceptable. But there are so many of us. It's not just 2-5% of the population.
Are you statistically counted? Neither am I.
You are not alone. You never were and you never will be.
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