Hair Pulling

Look into trichotillomania @EternalFlower - it's not uncommon I think.

I had trichotillomania in childhood. The typical age of onset is apparently 11-12 and that fit me

I stopped but don't know how

@DogMan79 i read that in the shared link and now feel odd as im starting now and im an adult.

I had aome experiences when i was 17. Like u i dont know i stopped

Hmm I think that was me but I had a huge problem with gnawing at my nails. Getting warts in my fingers and pretty much destroying skin around my nails.
🌿🍀🙌

@EternalFlower you have had to deal with so much

you’ve always seem to me to be one of the ‘ defying odds,’ superstars …can’t explain properly but I always like seeing you

💕💕

@PeppyPatti thank u i dont have the har pulling bad which is wy im anxious it will get worse

Hopefully not

Didnt realise it had been bad for a while

I always think your one who shows so much strength. @EternalFlower

it’s always been a pleasure reading how you manage …..

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Hi there,

You are definitely not alone in this. I have done similar stress habits in rough seasons, and the shame afterwards can feel almost worse than the behaviour itself.

Please try not to turn this into “what is wrong with me?” It sounds more like your mind and body found a quick way to release pressure during a really hard year. The problem is that the relief is short, then the shame kicks in, and then the shame can create more stress, which keeps the cycle going.

Maybe the first step is to get curious rather than cruel with yourself. Notice when it happens. Is it when you are tired, anxious, sitting in bed, watching TV, scrolling, in the bathroom mirror, or after a stressful conversation? Once you know the pattern, you can start changing the pattern.

A few practical things that might help are keeping your hands busy, using a stress ball or fidget item, putting your hair up, wearing a cap at home, putting plasters on your fingertips, moving away from mirrors, or setting a tiny goal like “I will wait five minutes before I pull.” Even delaying the urge is progress.

I would also really encourage you to mention it to your GP or a psychologist if you can. Hair pulling can be linked with something called trichotillomania, and it is treatable. You do not have to white knuckle this or shame yourself into stopping.

You are not disgusting. You are not weak. You are stressed and looking for relief. Now you just need kinder tools that do not hurt you afterwards.

One urge at a time. One day at a time. You deserve support with this.

Firstly Me43yoF, those are some great strategies you suggested. No fuss and achievable, things a person definitely needs when they're already overwhelmed.

EternalFlower, yes I do understand and can relate. I'm not suggesting that one pain, stress or whatever emotion caused it in the moment was worse than the others, but I do with I wasn't so invasive. I personally feel a wave of something akin to relief, like a weight lifted. It's taken around 25 years to decrease how often I do it but I've still managed to substitute it.

One day, one technique at a time until you find what works for you.

Wow thanks @Me43yoF iv been away for a little while and it’s taken me a week or two to workout how to get online again ……

I so needed to read your words.

thank you

@Glisten @Shaz51 @ENKELI @EternalFlower oooh iv forgotten everyone’s name. @Mustang67 @AuntGlow