I have Trichotillomania.

hi danna, you mention you are doing therapy, is that a specific kind of therapy, or general talk therapy?

Hi Danna, one method I found very helpful is covering the findgertips (by wearing gloves or special gloves for the fingertips). It blocks your ability to pull, and even when you try to, you immediately become aware and it can help structure a new behavioral habit.

Hi! I'm in a very similar situation, I'm 15 myself, and been pulling for 5 years now. I now how it feels, can be totally frustrating. That headband trick is a nice idea btw, should do whatever you can to manage/stop this habit. Good luck!

Hello!
I'm also 15 and am currently seeing several therapists about my trich (I've been pulling my lashes since I was 6).
We basically just sit and talk for an hour or two about any problems or stresses in my life, how to deal with them and how to distract myself from pulling. And I have to say that it helps, it doesn't solve everything and I know that there's no way to quickly "Fix" trich, however it does help knowing that there are people out there who I can talk to face-to-face.
I've been going to therapy for about 5-6 months now and I can already notice improvements with my self esteem.

Hope you're okay. Just keep telling yourself that you're not alone :)

I'm 15 too, and I've just begun pulling my hair out. I've told my parents about my problem, but they refuse to accept the fact that it is a disorder, so seeing a therapist is out of the question. besides, i don't want them to think i'm insane. i can't seem to stop, it's so addictive and i don't know what to do...

Hi Catherine. My mom wouldn't take me to a therapist either. She said they don't know a thing. She would yell at me "Just Stop Pulling." I would get so mad. But she really didn't understand, and neither do your parents. Encourage them to become more educated about trich. Maybe they will let you attend a local trich support group. I run one of those in my area, and it helps all involved. Your parents love you I am sure, but they need help to understand you. I'm right there with your parents. I don't believe I have a psychological disorder because there is no proof of this, only theory of educated psychologists who don't have this "disorder." I believe our problem is more biological. I do know for a fact I am sensitive to stimulating trigger foods and very sensitive to stress. I feel everything. The foods I eat and even the tension coming off of others affects me, but I don't consider this a bad thing anymore. Have you ever heard of what cows do when they have a potassium deficiency? They chew and chew the hair around the irritated area until it is bald and sometimes to the point of bleeding. Once they receive potassium supplementation, they stop. My daughters allergist told us that it's like she has a cup inside of her and when it gets filled up with allergens, she reacts with skin erruptions, sneezing, itching, hives, etc. Maintaining my nutrient levels helps me very much. I believe stress depletes us of everything vital to our survival including nutrients. Certain foods that trigger trich urges also deplete nutrients our bodies need to be well. See if you can get your parents on board for implementing a plan that will help your overall well being. Good luck.

Yes Dbdony. I went to a therapist who barely knew what trich was. We need more therapists who have trich themselves or trich coaches who have trich themselves and have overcome it and know how to help. That is what i want to do someday. I plan to open up my own business where that is all I do is help people recover from trich. Right now I am just running a local support group in Winston-Salem, NC. If you know anyone in Winston let them know..