I have trichotillomania (hair pulling compulsion) AMA

r/

I’m trying to beat it. ☹️ Apparently talking about it can help recovery so… ama?

Comments

  1. Rainbow-1337 Avatar

    I also have this!! How are you doing?

  2. Lilpad123 Avatar

    Do you constantly comb you hair using your fingers just to see how many hairs you get? Is your scalp itchy? Will all the hair grow back if you stop pulling it?

  3. lilsmudge Avatar

    I have a skin picking disorder. Have you tried any of those picking/skin pulling toys out on the market right now? I’m curious if they’re effective.

  4. msimms001 Avatar

    I have a very mild form of it, I only pick my leg hairs and there’s specific ones I like to pick.

    So my question for you is, did it start out small like that or did it stay consistent from the start?

  5. theRealAverageHuman Avatar

    I used to do this in high school (I’m old now) and ended up with a pretty obvious bald spot on the back of my head — at that point I realized I really needed to stop from a perspective of pure vanity and while that part grew back, I hairsprayed it down flat. Every now and then I still pick at my hairline or “feel” the hair at my hairline but not to that same degree. For me, I think it’s when I’m feeling anxious.

    I don’t have a question for you because I know what it’s like so just commenting in solidarity and wishing you all the best — sending love!

    Whenever I see this portrayed in movies it’s always interesting. It shows up in “Young Adult” and “Life & Beth”. Amy Schumer used to struggle with this as well and has talked a lot about it. You are not alone.

  6. idoubtiexist_ Avatar

    Does it cause any “damage” on how you look? Like having to wear caps and stuff.

  7. Beneficial-One-7113 Avatar

    I pick at my arms sometimes uncontrollably, and then my eyelashes.
    My arms are scarred but my eyelashes grow back. But I have chunks missing.

  8. josbeast Avatar

    I have this too. It’s been a big struggle for me for 20 years now. I’m currently trying to grow my hair back and it’s so hard. I find video games help lol cuz at least my hands are busy. How old are you?

  9. SWNMAZporvida Avatar

    {fist bump} for strength! Do you have any other OCD or anxiety issues? (chronic illness with tons of issues here)

  10. Aggressive_Side1105 Avatar

    I’m autistic and have ADHD and sometimes do this. Since buying fidget toys I don’t any more. I don’t bite nails as much either. The picky beads toys really helped. Are you neurodivergent possibly?

  11. Grand_Ordinary_1772 Avatar

    I don’t pull I just twirl my hair into a unicorn horn 😅 solidarity 🫶🏼