Statistics show that 1 in 50 people battle with an impulse disorder, whether it be ocd, trichotillomania or dermatillomania, or any other control disorder. For those who don't know, trichotillomania (trich) causes you to repetitively pull out your hair, chew on follicles, rub the follicles on your skin, etc. Dermatillomania (derma) causes you to repetitively pick at your skin, scratch at your skin, chew your nails and/or cuticles until the skin is raw or bleeding, etc. One with these disorders cannot control their impulses, which is why they're often know as ICDs (impulse control disorders). Yes, these are real disorders and cause real problems.
To the person struggling with trichotillomania and/or dermatillomania,
This will probably be one of the hardest things you will ever deal with It will tear you apart, both physically and emotionally. It will change how you look at yourself. It will change how others treat you. It can be one of the most difficult things you'll ever experience if you let it be. And I know, because it's ripping me apart as we speak.
The biggest tip I can give you is to get help. Go see someone, a doctor or a therapist. Someone. It's going to be incredibly difficult and they may not fully understand you at times but they will work with you on skills that can help you kick trich/derma's ass.
It will be a very long road to recovery but I promise you, you can do it. If you truly want to do it, you can.
And I don't want to hear that you're not strong enough. Or that you'll never be able to do conquer this demon. You can. You. Can.
Trich and derma are a bitch. I know it. You know it. Everyone else battling it knows it too. Even if your family or friends don't. We do. I promise you, you are not alone.
It wouldn't be a bad idea to invest in a fidget toy or two. I got tangle toys and I carry them everywhere. They've helped tremendously. If you find yourself pulling at your scalp, wear a hat or a pair of gloves. It makes it harder to get to your hair. For eyelash or eyebrow pullers, wearing glasses/sunglasses helps. Again, it doesn't prevent you from pulling but it will make it more difficult to. Where my picking and scratching is involved, I usually try to wear clothes that cover my skin so I don't have complete access to it. My fidget toys are my favorite and have helped me the most though. These are just a few things that have helped me reduce my picking/pulling, even if just slightly. If they don't work for you, don't be discouraged. Keep searching. You'll find something that works well for you.
So to the person struggling with trichotillomania and/or dermatillomania... I know how hard it is, I really do. But you can do it. I believe in you. It's time to believe in yourself.
And if anyone needs anything, whether it be regarding trich/derma or not, please reach out either to me or someone you trust. If you have questions, please ask them. I don't mind answering them and they could help someone else.
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