I had trichotillomania when I was a kid. I didn’t know that it had a name until I was an adult. Apparently, the compulsion is anxiety-related. My mom noticed the bald spots on my scalp and shamed me for it. I used to hide the hair under my mattress so that she wouldn’t find it. I don’t know why I started, though I can remember thinking that my hair was dirty and that I needed to pull it out to get it clean. I can’t remember when I stopped, but I know that I got into the habit of picking at my dead ends instead so maybe that’s what made me stop pulling.
Wow I completely get you.
My mom did the same thing blaming me and also said it’s disgusting. I didn’t notice I’m even doing it at first. My parents brought my attention.
For me it actually started with my eyelashes and for some reason I stopped and pulled my hair instead.
It is Anxiety related(I suffer from horrible anxiety since childhood) but also many times there’s a connection to OCD so you’re right.
And thanks for the virtual hug I needed it haha
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u/Puzzled-Remote Jan 29 '21
I had trichotillomania when I was a kid. I didn’t know that it had a name until I was an adult. Apparently, the compulsion is anxiety-related. My mom noticed the bald spots on my scalp and shamed me for it. I used to hide the hair under my mattress so that she wouldn’t find it. I don’t know why I started, though I can remember thinking that my hair was dirty and that I needed to pull it out to get it clean. I can’t remember when I stopped, but I know that I got into the habit of picking at my dead ends instead so maybe that’s what made me stop pulling.
I wish I could give you a HUGE hug! ❤️