If I could tell my adolescent self what I know now...

[lovespink88]

Originally Posted by ASUADPi

Oh man what I would tell my 13 year old self from my 34 year old self.

1. Don't pull your eyebrows

This might sound like an odd thing to say, but I have suffered from Trichotillomania since I was 13. Within a weeks time frame, at the end of 8th grade, I pulled out all my eyebrows. People didn't understand what I had done and why I couldn't stop.
I found out in about 2000 that this had a name of Trichotillomania and it is a form of OCD (as recognized in the current DSM V).
I struggle every day not to pull. I was doing well. I was at one point 75 days pull free this year but me not being able to find a job in my new city and pay my bills and living back with my parents took its toll and my hard work of not pulling went down the drain. It is a daily struggle!

My heart literally skipped a beat reading this. My hand was at a particular spot on my head that I have been paying too much attention to (aka fellow trichster here!) I have first displayed symptoms at the age of 4. Yes, 4. The absolute worst time was age 9-10 with very noticeable bald spots on my head. Since then I've had two spots that are covered by my hair unless I wear a certain pony tail. It's not terrible but it needs to spot. Everything I have tried thus far has not work but I am currently in therapy for this specifically. Hugs to you!

I do have to say, I lol'd that one of the things you would tell yourself is to stop pulling. You know it's not that easy!!!!!

[ASUADPi]

Originally Posted by lovespink88

My heart literally skipped a beat reading this. My hand was at a particular spot on my head that I have been paying too much attention to (aka fellow trichster here!) I have first displayed symptoms at the age of 4. Yes, 4. The absolute worst time was age 9-10 with very noticeable bald spots on my head. Since then I've had two spots that are covered by my hair unless I wear a certain pony tail. It's not terrible but it needs to spot. Everything I have tried thus far has not work but I am currently in therapy for this specifically. Hugs to you!

I do have to say, I lol'd that one of the things you would tell yourself is to stop pulling. You know it's not that easy!!!!!

Hugs to you too sweetie!

It may be in a semi-private forum (as most people don't know our real names) but this is the first time I've "publically" admitted that I suffer from Trich. But there isn't a reason to be ashamed. It is a recognized disorder. I have tried therapy but I haven't found anyone who specializes in OCD. The town I live in, while it is a military town, isn't as big as Phoenix.