I had a severe pulling episode last night, and it got me thinking - how do you describe what trich feels like so that people can understand it better?

I would describe it as a sensation of relief, and I would say that the idea that it is "pleasurable" to pull hairs (that we derive a sensation of "pleasure"from pulling) is definitely a misconception - it is more akin to the sensation of relief when scratching an itch (as in, there is an irritating sensation/stimulus and that pulling "relieves" the irritation).

I've also noticed that I feel an irritating sensation at the root of each hair that I am inclined to pull (or several in one area at once), and that pulling is the best way to "scratch" the "itch". As I said - it provides a sensation of relief.

Also, I should note that I've experienced some level of "relief" without having to pull from anti-psychotic medication (I've been using a very small dose of Seroquel to help numb the irritating sensation and urge to pull - it helps just enough to give me a fighting chance to resist the urge, which otherwise feels like a losing battle). I couldn't take the Seroquel last night, because I did not feel comfortable mixing it with the painkillers I had taken (I suffer from lupus so I require pain management).