How to explain it?

I admire your ability to not see it as an issue and to be accepting of yourself.

Not to over-step my bounds nor scope, but I think long-term you do indeed want to try to reduce/eliminate pulling.

Reasons are not just cosmetic, i.e. eyelashes and eyebrows do indeed serve health purposes.

If you decide your goal will be to eliminate pulling, perhaps let your mother know and come up with a plan of action, even if you carry it through partially or better yet whole.

You can get severe infections that can cause major problems if untreated. As a mom with a daughter with trich, I can’t imagine how you must feel. My daughter would never be able to cope without the daily support of our family. My mother and grandmother are like your mom, and I just tell them to cork it and I’m not afraid to ask them to leave. I realize that is likely not an option for you. You are NOT a freak. A psychiatrist may be able to help, but know (here is where you have to educate yourself) most medications given for anxiety will worsen the problem. My daughter sees a CBT and for her, it was about her finding her inner vouce and being able to vocalize her feelings without fear. It sounds like you may be in the same situation. I’m sorry your mother isn’t open and understanding. Please realize that her embarassment is HER issue and you don’t need to worry about that. Part of her is scared for you, but that is no excuse for behavior that basically equates to emotional abuse. My ex-husband has the issue and his mom acted like yours. He’s 43 and still pulls. I don't know that there is a cure, but I do know that with the proper tools in your toolbox, you will be much more successful in managing. Feel free to reach out if you need maternal advice. Lots of parents here who struggle with the issue personally, or have a child struggling. You are not alone.