[MBM17]

Do you talk to your therapist about trichotillomania? How long did it take before you trusted them enough to bring it up?

I have an incredible therapist who really gets me and has helped SO much. He understands my brain better than anyone else. It took me a year and a half of meeting with him before I brought trich up! Even to this therapist who has been so helpful, I was so embarrassed that I didn't mention it for that long.

I had never mentioned it because I had a lot of shame around it since I've tried so hard to stop for so long but haven't been able to. (I first started around 13 years old and am now mid-20s.) I was sweating so badly the first time that the back of my shirt was literally stuck to me when I stood up to leave his office!

But now after talking to him about it over the last few months, I can talk about it without the shame and paralyzing fear coming up. In fact, every couple weeks I volunteer an update on the week. I still feel kind of sick inside when I think about talking about it, but the feelings are a lot better than they used to be. I've been really surprised.

Has anyone else been able to talk about trich to a therapist they trust and felt the relief and reduction in shame and feel like someone is on your team?

[Skeezyks]

Hello MBM17: The Skeezyks has been a hair-puller over the years... never really thought too much about it. It was just something I did. I've seen a few therapists over the years. But none of them were worth the bother as far as I'm concerned. On the other hand, I also know there are things I simply would never tell anyone no matter what. (Trich is not one of them...) So, as a result, there's a real limit to how much any therapist could ever do for me. Anyway... I'm glad you were able to overcome your fear & talk with your T about this sensitive concern.

[Angelique67]

Yes, in my 20s I told my psychoanalyst about it. She didn't react much at all. Everyone I've been seriously invested in has known. I either told them,or they noticed my bald patches.

Now that I'm post menopausal I am sadder than ever about it because the hair has not really grown back. I haven't pulled in about 2 years now. It's very depressing and I don't dare look at the balder side of my head. It would be much too upsetting.