Hair Pulling?

Mysterygirl202 · Nov 13, 2013, 08:02 PM

Hello!
So I was in counseling for 2 1/2 years for self injury and a small food problem. I am now 1 year clean

(Thank goodness), but I just came to realize a problem I have that I can't seem to stop. Ever since I was twelve I would play with my hair. I have lots of nervous habits like nail biting i'm reallly reallly trying to stop. However, at one point (don't remember), i started pulling out these little thick pieces of hair I would find. I think it came across my mind because my mom had once pulled out and "in grown" hair (not sure if that's what it really is) because of an infection. And when I found those little thick pieces of hair I thought they were the same thing so I pulled it out. My mom told me not to but for some reason I didn't think it was a big deal. I don't pull my hair out like crazy like some you see who have lost all there hair.. but i'm really scared of losing my hair. How do I stop?
I can't possibly tell this to anyone but it's become such a habit sometimes I do it in public without realizing it at all. My mom even told me once and I hadn't realized I was doing it.
It's too embarrassing to tell my counselor about this- even though she knows the worst of me. I'm not even sure she would know how to help considering she is just a school counselor. I just want to have even nice hair and not broken. And long nails.

Morgansangel · Nov 13, 2013, 08:34 PM

Hi, this is called trichotillomania. You aren't alone. Check further down the forums, there's a dedicated forum that includes it

Lacelly · Nov 13, 2013, 09:53 PM

I do this too. I stopped cutting long ago, but I still do the forms of self harm that aren't so obvious. I figure it's the lesser evil. I think the way people usually stop it is the same as for other self-harm. Just try to talk to someone or use a coping skill when you get the urge. I think you should tell your school counselor, they deal with more then you would think on a day to day basis! I wouldn't be surprised at all if they have seen another person with trichotillomania before.

Mysterygirl202 · Nov 13, 2013, 10:12 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Lacelly

I do this too. I stopped cutting long ago, but I still do the forms of self harm that aren't so obvious. I figure it's the lesser evil. I think the way people usually stop it is the same as for other self-harm. Just try to talk to someone or use a coping skill when you get the urge. I think you should tell your school counselor, they deal with more then you would think on a day to day basis! I wouldn't be surprised at all if they have seen another person with trichotillomania before.

Grrr. you make perfect sense but I still dont wanna tell. but i'll talk with her. People on here man.. so good at convincing me to do what I should. How long have you been without cutting?

Lacelly · Nov 13, 2013, 10:18 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Mysterygirl202

Grrr. you make perfect sense but I still dont wanna tell. but i'll talk with her. People on here man.. so good at convincing me to do what I should. How long have you been without cutting?

I haven't cut since April of 2011, so like two and a half years. I haven't done any self harm that left a mark since June of 2011.