How to Deal with Trichotillomania
Do you have this urge to pull out hair from your eyebrows, scalp, and even other parts of your body? While this might seem like a common mannerism, it can develop into an impulse control disorder, known as trichotillomania. Having this condition leads not only to physical disfigurement, but also to lower self-confidence and depression. If you are experiencing trichotillomania, here’s how you can deal with it effectively.
Recognize The Symptoms
Someone who has trichotillomania will be experiencing both physical and behavioral signs. Here are a few you should take note of.
Pulling your hair recurrently, leading to noticeable loss of hair
Missing eyebrows and eyelashes
Patchy and bald areas on scalp or other body parts, but without any medical/dermatological condition
Eating the hair you pulled out
Rubbing it or pulling the hair across your face or lips
Hair follicle infection
Increased and immediate tension before you pull the hair out, or when you try to resist it.
Gratification, relief or pleasure when pulling out hair
Social or occupational impairment or distress.
Acknowledge The Problem
Be aware that you have this disorder, and that it is not merely a habit. It’s not normal behavior and it’s actually a form of self-harm, although it’s not as severe as other forms of injury. Acknowledging the problem is the first step to get rid of it; you will have the urge to get a move on to correct it. If not stopped immediately, it can become an addiction.
Know What Triggers It
Trichotillomania is an act that is triggered when you encounter an unpleasant situation or emotion. There’s usually one or two reasons why you become obsessed with it. Analyze it: what situations cause you to pull your hair? Do you do it every time you’re angry, frustrated or depressed? Is it a mannerism you do when you get stressed? Knowing what triggers trichotillomania will help you cope with it.
Once you find out the cause of your hair-pulling, you can stay away from it. Is your girlfriend/boyfriend the reason? Then reevaluate your relationship and maybe stay away from each other for a while. Is it the workload in the office? Maybe you can look for a new employment or take some vacation time off.
Express Yourself Using Other Methods
If you have an outlet for all the negative emotions you feel, then you won’t need to resort to hair-pulling. Distract yourself and you’ll forget about this urge. Some methods you can try are:
Painting or drawing
Randomly scribbling your thoughts on paper
Keeping a diary
Volunteer
Take up a creative hobby (cross-stitching or knitting)
Playing video games
Calling a friend
Listening to feel-good music
Confide In Someone
Sometimes all we need to let of of whatever is bothering us is to talk to someone. Find a friend or a family member who you can trust and tell them what your problems are, and how you resort to hair-pulling when encounter these negative emotions. If they love you, then they won’t judge you. If you are afraid to confide to people close to you, you can approach a counselor instead. There are also support groups who help members with this kind of problem.
Try Psychotherapy
Psychotherapy is one of the scientifically-proven methods that can help cope with and treat trichotillomania. There’s a form of psychotherapy called cognitive behavior therapy or CBT that teaches a patient to be more aware of pulling the hair and teaches you to reverse the habit. You’re also introduced to the triggers and emotions that cause this problem. TO help you get rid of this, you’ll be taught how to substitute other behaviors instead.
Consider Alternative Remedies
According to some small studies, hypnotherapy can successfully treat trichotillomania and prevent relapses. There’s also a technique called biofeedback that teaches you to change or control physical responses.
The best way to treat trichotillomania is to love yourself. People who experience this dilemma are those who usually have low self-confidence or have experienced some kind of abuse or personal problem. If you learn to love yourself, and you try these other methods, then you can say goodbye to this habit once and for all.