Trichotilimania (Hair pulling)
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I am a 21 year old female, and I have been hair pulling/tugging since I was around 9 years old.
It wasn't until a year or two ago that I thought to myself, "Hm, why do I do that? That's a bit weird," so I started doing research online. I have only ever pulled my hair to the extent of baldness once, and it was a spot so small it eventually grew back.
I've found that:
- It usually occurs in (but not limited to) females, beginning during puberty.
- Occurs not only on the scalp, but in eyelashes, eyebrows, arm hair. Anywhere there is hair.
- Is considered (proven?) to be a mental/anxiety issue, not a physical issue.
- Is allegedly triggered by stressful situations
- Most often, the person doesn't even realize they're doing it.
- Can be 'treated' with therapy. (Therapists usually suggest stress relief practices, and forcing yourself to pay attention and correct yourself when you find you're doing it.)
But I still have a host of questions. I have yet to consult a doctor (I have asked a doctor or two in passing- one thought it was bizarre, the other referred me to a psychologist).
I have heard theories and claims that trich is not just limited to hair pulling. If trich is indeed what I am experiencing, then I experience the sensation in several places, such as my two middle toes (underneath the nail), my right ring finger (underneath the nail), my tongue (inside my tongue, near the tip), as well as my eyelashes, the crown of my head even my pubic area.
It is nearly impossible to describe the sensation that makes me want to tug at my hair, chew on my tongue, pull at my nails, etc. To my credit, I have controlled the issue to the point where I do not pull OUT my hair, just tug on it to relieve the sensation. Its much like a mosquito bite that is somehow too far underneath the skin to itch.
I also find that my hair areas are the least bothersome, unlike most people who suffer from trich. I have pulled off BOTH my toenails several times in an attempt to ease the sensation. I have absolutely daydreamed about getting my tongue pierced if only cease the weird feeling.
But most times I don't really recognize I'm doing it until I've hurt myself. Just the other night I found myself with a sewing needle in hand, digging at my right middle toe, wondering why I was bleeding all of the sudden.
It is very difficult for me to accept that this is a mental/anxiety issue because for me it is just so physical. I had always thought perhaps I was just wired wrong or something.
Any information anyone has on this issue would be very helpful. I will have to see a doctor about it, I know that for sure. But I prefer to go into the doctor's office loaded with information so they can't just blow me off.
If anyone has heard of any other disorder that sounds like it might fit better with what I am experiencing, that would also be helpful.
It wasn't until a year or two ago that I thought to myself, "Hm, why do I do that? That's a bit weird," so I started doing research online. I have only ever pulled my hair to the extent of baldness once, and it was a spot so small it eventually grew back.
I've found that:
- It usually occurs in (but not limited to) females, beginning during puberty.
- Occurs not only on the scalp, but in eyelashes, eyebrows, arm hair. Anywhere there is hair.
- Is considered (proven?) to be a mental/anxiety issue, not a physical issue.
- Is allegedly triggered by stressful situations
- Most often, the person doesn't even realize they're doing it.
- Can be 'treated' with therapy. (Therapists usually suggest stress relief practices, and forcing yourself to pay attention and correct yourself when you find you're doing it.)
But I still have a host of questions. I have yet to consult a doctor (I have asked a doctor or two in passing- one thought it was bizarre, the other referred me to a psychologist).
I have heard theories and claims that trich is not just limited to hair pulling. If trich is indeed what I am experiencing, then I experience the sensation in several places, such as my two middle toes (underneath the nail), my right ring finger (underneath the nail), my tongue (inside my tongue, near the tip), as well as my eyelashes, the crown of my head even my pubic area.
It is nearly impossible to describe the sensation that makes me want to tug at my hair, chew on my tongue, pull at my nails, etc. To my credit, I have controlled the issue to the point where I do not pull OUT my hair, just tug on it to relieve the sensation. Its much like a mosquito bite that is somehow too far underneath the skin to itch.
I also find that my hair areas are the least bothersome, unlike most people who suffer from trich. I have pulled off BOTH my toenails several times in an attempt to ease the sensation. I have absolutely daydreamed about getting my tongue pierced if only cease the weird feeling.
But most times I don't really recognize I'm doing it until I've hurt myself. Just the other night I found myself with a sewing needle in hand, digging at my right middle toe, wondering why I was bleeding all of the sudden.
It is very difficult for me to accept that this is a mental/anxiety issue because for me it is just so physical. I had always thought perhaps I was just wired wrong or something.
Any information anyone has on this issue would be very helpful. I will have to see a doctor about it, I know that for sure. But I prefer to go into the doctor's office loaded with information so they can't just blow me off.
If anyone has heard of any other disorder that sounds like it might fit better with what I am experiencing, that would also be helpful.
Did you find this post helpful?
First Helper lillayann
|
). My eyedoctor thinks the trich might be exacerbated because I put so much stress on my eyes (and I have to wear bifocals now... even though I'm 18 y/o... ^^
from reading and computer. I also have this problem with my eyes when I'm taking a test at school where they'll go all fuzzy and dry after about an hour or so, and then it gets really hard to see the test and I make more stupid mistakes on math exams (English is not so much of a problem, because I could pretty much write with my eyes closed after I've read the prompt). Hopefully this will improve once I get my pair of real reading glasses... progressives kind of suck for heavy reading. 
| Tags: hair, anxiety and stress, stress relief, arm hair, Puberty, attempt, Anxiety, Stress, female, skin | ||
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This page was last updated on May 25, 2013.
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